Everton kicked off the new Premier League season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, a win that was highlighted by two elegant strikes from Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall and Thierno Barry. The Toffees, guided by David Moyne, imposed their will on a Palace side that struggled to convert chances, and they secured their first opening‑weekend triumph in five years.
From the first whistle, Everton displayed a level of discipline and intent that left the visitors scrambling. Under the fresh leadership of French manager Pierre Sage, Palace were unable to cope with the relentless pressure applied by the home side. The breakthrough came just before the interval when a youthful midfield partnership, featuring 19‑year‑old Harrison Armstrong and recent signing Hayden Hackney, began to assert themselves. Armstrong, who was given a central role alongside Hackney, helped win the ball high up the pitch, and his hustle forced a turnover that allowed Dewsbury‑Hall to slip past defender Chris Richards and unleash a low‑driven shot into the far corner of the net.
The goal came just before the half‑time whistle and set the tone for the remainder of the match. The second half saw Everton continue to exploit Palace’s defensive frailties. Hackney, who had already shown composure on the ball, took a quick free‑kick and delivered a precise ball to Iliman Ndiaye on the left wing. Ndiaye’s pace and movement created space, and his incisive cross found Barry, who rose above the Palace defence to head the ball past goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The finish was clean and decisive, doubling Everton’s lead and effectively sealing the result. Tim Sherwood, analysing the game on Soccer Saturday, praised the professionalism of the Toffees, singling out the performances of Armstrong and Hackney.
He noted that both youngsters had seized their opportunities and contributed significantly to the win, a sentiment echoed by Moyne in his post‑match interview. Moyne highlighted the importance of the first goal in calming the team’s nerves and allowing them to manage the game intelligently after taking the lead. Palace, on the other hand, were unable to recover from a sluggish start. Their attacking players, including Jean‑Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah, missed several clear chances.
Mateta squandered a prime opportunity when the score was still level, while Nketiah’s effort was spectacularly saved by Jordan Pickford before rebounding onto the woodwork. Despite creating a few decent chances, Palace’s expected‑goals (xG) figure of 2.04 was the highest they have recorded in a Premier League match without finding the net since December 2018, underscoring their inefficiency in front of goal. The match also featured a few notable moments that added drama to the encounter. Pickford produced a world‑class save to deny Nketiah, a strike that was later described as a "save‑of‑the‑season" contender.
Later, Nketiah delivered a low cross that found Mateta, only for the striker to see the ball crash against the post. Dewsbury‑Hall’s goal was a showcase of technique, beating Dean Henderson from a tight angle, while Barry’s header demonstrated his aerial prowess. In the second half, Palace suffered a setback when midfielder Chadi Riad was stretchered off with a worrying knee injury, further limiting their options. Both managers reflected on the game’s key points after the final whistle.
Moyne praised his midfield duo, stating that Armstrong had earned his place and that Hackney had adapted quickly to the Premier League’s demands. He also emphasized the importance of staying composed after taking the lead and managing the game effectively. Pierre Sage, Palace’s boss, admitted that his side had lost momentum after the break. He criticised the lack of speed in Palace’s play, noting that the team failed to create enough chances in the second half and needed to be more decisive and assertive.
Sage accepted responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that while the first half had been played according to plan, the second half allowed Everton to dominate. Overall, the match served as a statement of intent from Everton, showcasing a blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline. Their ability to convert chances, coupled with a solid defensive performance, suggests that they could be serious contenders this season. For Palace, the loss highlighted the need to improve their finishing and increase the tempo of their play if they hope to compete in the league.
Key statistics: - Everton goals: Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall (23'), Thierno Barry (53') - Palace shots on target: 3 - Pickford saves: 4 (including a save‑of‑the‑season contender) - Expected goals (Palace): 2.04 (highest xG without a goal since Dec 2018) The win also marks a significant milestone for Everton’s manager David Moyne, who secured his first opening‑weekend victory in five years, reinforcing the belief that his experience and tactical acumen are bearing fruit. Meanwhile, Palace will need to regroup quickly, address their conversion woes, and find a way to inject more pace into their game to avoid further setbacks in the early stages of the campaign.