Everton kicked off the new Premier League season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, a win that highlighted the progress the Toffees have made under David Moyen's seasoned guidance. The match, played at Goodison Park, saw Everton break their five‑year streak of opening‑weekend defeats thanks to two well‑crafted goals from Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall and Thierno Barry, each illustrating the team's growing confidence and tactical discipline. From the first whistle, Moyen's side imposed themselves on the game, exploiting Palace's early hesitancy and converting chances with ruthless efficiency. The French manager Pierre Sage, still relatively new to the Premier League, watched his side struggle to create clear-cut opportunities, while Everton's youngsters stepped up to make a significant impact.
Midfield dynamics were a key storyline. Moyen handed 19‑year‑old Harrison Armstrong a starting role alongside recent acquisition Hayden Hackney.
Armstrong, who had been impressing in the academy, was directly involved in the build‑up to the opening goal, demonstrating composure beyond his years. Hackney, meanwhile, showcased his technical ability with a second‑half assist that underscored his quick adaptation to top‑flight football. The first goal arrived just before the break.
A determined press from Armstrong forced a turnover, allowing Dewsbury‑Hall to receive the ball inside the penalty area, sidestep defender Chris Richards, and unleash a precise shot into the far corner. The strike was a testament to his vision and finishing skill, giving Everton a deserved lead at halftime. The second half saw Everton double their advantage through Barry.
Following a free‑kick, Hackney displayed sharp thinking, sending a low pass to Iliman Ndiaye, who then delivered a cutting cross into the box. Barry rose above his marker, met the ball cleanly with his head, and directed it past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The goal highlighted Everton's effectiveness on the counter‑attack, combining speed, precision, and aerial prowess. Post‑match reactions reflected the quality of the performance.
Tim Sherwood, appearing on Soccer Saturday, praised the professionalism of Everton's display, noting the impressive contributions of Armstrong and Hackney. He also commented on Palace's attractive but flawed approach, pointing out that their decision to play open at times left them vulnerable to Everton's swift counters. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, were left to rue missed chances.
Jean‑Philippe Mateta squandered a clear opportunity in the first half, while Eddie Nketiah's effort was spectacularly saved by Jordan Pickford, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar. Nketiah later struck a low cross that rattled the post, adding to the frustration of a side that finished with an expected‑goals (xG) tally of 2.04 – the highest they have posted in a Premier League match without finding the net since December 2018.
The match also featured a few notable moments beyond the goals. Pickford produced a save that could be described as "save of the season" quality, denying Nketiah and preserving Everton's clean sheet.
In the 68th minute, Palace suffered a setback when midfielder Chadi Riad was stretchered off with a concerning knee injury, further dampening their evening. Moyen reflected on the game, acknowledging that the match could have swung the other way early on. He highlighted Pickford's world‑class save and emphasized the importance of the first goal in calming the team and allowing them to manage the remainder of the contest effectively. Moyen also lauded the midfield pairing, stating that Armstrong is earning his place and that Hackney has adapted quickly, especially given his recent step up from the Championship.
Sage, speaking for Palace, admitted that the second half lacked the intensity and speed required to challenge Everton. He noted that the team failed to create sufficient chances and stressed the need for quicker decision‑making and a more assertive approach in future fixtures.
While acknowledging the disappointment of the loss, Sage remained optimistic about the lessons learned and the potential for improvement. Overall, Everton's opening victory not only broke a five‑year opening‑weekend winless run but also signalled a team that is beginning to coalesce around a clear game plan.
The blend of experienced leadership from Moyen, the emergence of promising youngsters like Armstrong and Hackney, and the clinical finishing of Dewsbury‑Hall and Barry suggest that the Toffees could be poised for a competitive season. For Palace, the defeat serves as a reminder that while their style can be entertaining, they must balance flair with efficiency if they hope to climb the table. The match was broadcast on Sky Sports, with highlights available for free online, and fans were encouraged to follow the ongoing Premier League action via the Sky Sports app.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offered a chance to win £1 million, underscoring the commercial excitement that surrounds the league's opening fixtures.