Yannick Bolasie tested Howard but Everton then came inches away from going in front when Wickham flicked a Barkley free-kick onto his own crossbar.
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Both teams went for a victor late on but had to settle for a point, which sees Palace into sixth on 23 points from 15 games played.
Last weekend’s dramatic draw at Bournemouth highlighted Everton’s deficiencies at the back and a naivety still present in what is a largely youthful side.
His timing seems particularly appropriate, given former club Chelsea’s problems with the underperforming Diego Costa this season and that Jose Mourinho sold him in the belief he was “not motivated” to fight for a first-team place, and Pardew is more than wary of the threat he can pose.
Palace’s Jordon Mutch sent a shot wide as both sides searched for a victor. He occupies defenders and drags a lot of attention away from his teammates that allows them the space to influence the game.
Soon after Arouna Kone put a shot into the home fans sat behind the goal but the Eagles managed to snuff out any Everton momentum following those risky moments.
Wayne Hennessey’s brilliant flying save to tip over Tom Cleverley’s long-range drive.
Yet Palace did not just defend.
“But it’s an opportunity to get a result and stay above them”.
Martinez refused to be downbeat about the concession of the Palace goal, which came from a corner when Gareth Barry lost Dann and he headed home. What was something of an attacking smash and grab was only denied by Lukaku’s equaliser.
The only other real alternative is to push Pape Souare forward from left-back and play one of Joel Ward or Martin Kelly in that position. Two massive wins in their last three games – a 1-2 victory at Anfield and a 5-1 shellacking of the hopeless Newcastle – will ensure that Palace are in fine fettle coming into this one at Goodison Park, a ground they’ve won four times at in just their last six visits. With the return to fitness of Leighton Baines, they should have another outlet down the left hand side, although Brendan Galloway has done a stellar job.
The Toffees will be bitterly disappointed they only took one point from this match after dominating for such long periods.
With some additions this January, there’s no reason why they can’t launch a serious assault on the top four this season. However, Martinez should not be forced into any kneejerk reactions. I hope that this game ends up being an open affair rather than two teams bottling the midfield up and battling out a 0-0 draw.
Unlike the Blues, Pardew and Palace will be delighted with a point.
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