London, March 17: A 10-man Stoke City sank further into relegation peril after Cenk Tosun's brace secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Everton at bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Tosun netted both goals amid a chaotic 15-minute period in the second half that was split by what seemed to be a vital Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equaliser.
The Potters had lost Charlie Adam to a straight red card for a loose, late tackle on Wayne Rooney in the 30th minute, giving the Toffees the perfect incentive to pursue a first Premier League away victory in seven attempts.
And they looked to be course when Tosun, in an apparent offside position, poked home his first in the 69th minute.
The home side defied their numerical disadvantage to briefly halve the deficit through Choupo-Moting and inspire hope of a precious result in what was billed as the embattled club's biggest league game in 10 years.
Instead, Turkey international Tosun popped up to complete his brace - and score a fourth goal in three matches - to inflict back-to-back home defeats on Paul Lambert's men, who remain mired in the bottom three.
FULL-TIME Stoke 1-2 Everton
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 17, 2018
Two goals from Cenk Tosun prove too much for 10-man Stoke at a snowy Bet365 Stadium#PL #STKEVE pic.twitter.com/Fke4NSFY0S
Elsewhere, James Tomkins and Luka Milivojevic landed crucial blows in Crystal Palace's battle against the drop, ensuring they left relegation rivals Huddersfield Town with a 2-0 victory.
Tomkins poached the only goal from a corner midway through the first half and manned an impeccable defensive effort at the John Smith's Stadium.
It meant Huddersfield had barely a sniff of an equaliser before Andros Townsend won a 68th-minute penalty and captain Luka Milivojevic converted his sixth spot kick of the season.
FULL-TIME Huddersfield 0-2 Crystal Palace
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 17, 2018
Roy Hodgson's side claim a massive three points in their battle for #PL safety thanks to goals from Tomkins and Milivojevic#HUDCRY pic.twitter.com/Koke6JgLQf
Roy Hodgson handed Mamadou Sakho and Wilfried Zaha their first starts since suffering respective calf and knee injuries last month and the extra quality they provided at either end of the pitch will serve Palace well during the crucial period to come.
Palace are up to 16th, a point and a place below Town and two above the drop line.