Sean Dyche’s side could rightly consider themselves unfortunate on a number of levels following the first FA Cup meeting that led to tonight’s replay. The Blues finished the match with an xG of 1.32 compared to Palace’s 0.55, while the intervention of the VAR and subsequent decision to show Dominic Calvert-Lewin a straight red card in the 79th minute of the match was successfully appealed afterwards.
Virginia, meanwhile, made three saves that night, adding a fine save from the edge of the box to prevent Eberechi Eze’s shot from 25 yards into the dying embers of the competition. Naturally, as it is the Portuguese goalkeeper’s first appearance for Everton. In 1,020 days (his last appearance in an FA Cup match against Manchester City at Goodison Park in March 2021), he generated several emotions.
“To be honest, I was happy. . . Proud,” he admits, as the verbal exchange drifts towards this meeting in Selhurst Park. “I was waiting for the chance to play for Everton again.
“It’s an honor. Especially when you stop by there in the middle of the week and see how our enthusiasts and we travel.
“I’m pleased with how it went. Unfortunately we didn’t win the game, which could have been much better, but it’s smart to keep a blank slate. Obviously, I’d like to get more minutes and I hope it’s decided. “for the replay, but whatever the coach chooses, I’ll be ready.
As for what the future holds for Virginia, its precedence is clear; However, you may not get carried away with daydreams about what might or might not happen.
“Obviously, if I could stay here, keep improving and one day win back the number one shirt at Everton, it would be incredible,” he says. “You don’t know how the long term will play out, but what I’m looking forward to is how I paint each and every and every day and continue to take it each and every and every day and each and every and every game at a time.
“I try not to think too much about the future and the present.
“One thing is for sure – I’ll be ready.”