Seamus Coleman believes Everton were unlucky to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin dismissed during a goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the FA Cup third round. Calvert-Lewin made a sliding challenge on Crystal Palace right-back Nathaniel Clyne, leading to the first red card of his career. The 0-0 draw sets up a replay for the week commencing 15 January, and Coleman’s involvement represented a landmark appearance, as he has featured in 14 FA Cup campaigns for the Toffees. As part of an organized Blues’ backline, Coleman helped Everton deny Palace any shots on target during the first half. The hosts accumulated an expected goals figure of just 0.53 during the entire contest, fewer than the Blues’ 1.29. Coleman praised the defensive solidity and improved resilience of his side and acknowledged the role of the more than 4,000 travelling Evertonians. Just 10 minutes after the late red card, Dwight McNeil was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after falling awkwardly in his own penalty area.
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