Everton kicked off the new Premier League season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, securing their first opening‑weekend win in five years thanks to well‑crafted strikes from Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall and Thierno Barry. Under the fresh guidance of French manager Pierre Sage, Palace were unable to convert any of their chances, while David Moyes’s side capitalised on both halves of the match to claim the three points.
The performance highlighted a side that appears to be maturing under Moyes’s seasoned leadership. The Everton manager showed confidence in youth by handing 19‑year‑old Harrison Armstrong a midfield berth alongside recent acquisition Hayden Hackney. Armstrong played a pivotal role in the build‑up to the opening goal, while Hackney was directly involved in the creation of the second.
Their energy and willingness to press high up the pitch forced Palace into errors that Everton turned into scoring opportunities. The first goal came just before the interval. After a period of sustained pressure, Armstrong’s hustle won the ball back, allowing Dewsbury‑Hall to slip past defender Chris Richards and unleash a low‑driven shot that curled into the far corner of the net. The strike, taken from a tight angle, demonstrated the youngster’s composure and technical ability, giving Everton a deserved lead heading into the break.
The second half saw Everton double their advantage in a similar fashion. Hackney, after winning a free‑kick, delivered a swift, incisive ball to Iliman Ndiaye, who surged forward and floated a precise cross into the box.
Barry rose above the defenders, met the delivery with a powerful header, and guided the ball past Palace keeper Dean Henderson. The goal not only sealed the win but also underscored Everton’s effectiveness on the counter‑attack, a tactical element Moyes has emphasized throughout his tenure. Tim Sherwood, analysing the match on Soccer Saturday, praised the professionalism of the Everton side, singling out Armstrong and Hackney for their standout contributions.
He noted that the young midfielders had adapted quickly to the demands of top‑flight football and were instrumental in both defensive solidity and attacking transitions. Palace, on the other hand, struggled to replicate the promise they showed in the opening minutes. Their conversion rate remained a concern, echoing the issues that plagued them last season. Jean‑Philippe Mateta squandered a clear chance when the score was still level, and Eddie Nketiah, who had missed an earlier opportunity, saw his effort saved by a world‑class reflex from Jordan Pickford.
Nketiah’s shot, a curling effort that struck the woodwork, epitomised Palace’s misfortune in front of goal. Statistically, Palace’s expected goals (xG) of 2.04 represented the highest xG they have recorded in a Premier League match without finding the net since December 2018, highlighting the thin margins that separated the teams.
The match also featured a few notable moments: a spectacular save by Pickford that could be described as a "save of the season," a near‑miss by Nketiah that clanged off the post, and a serious injury to Chadi Riad, who was stretchered off with a knee problem. Moyes reflected on the game, acknowledging that Everton could have been on the back foot early on. He praised the decisive nature of Dewsbury‑Hall’s goal and emphasized the importance of managing the game after taking the lead. He also commended the midfield duo, stating that Armstrong is earning his place and that Hackney, despite coming from the Championship, has adapted remarkably quickly.
Pierre Sage, Palace’s manager, admitted that the second half was a disappointment. He argued that the team lost its tempo, allowing Everton to dominate. Sage stressed the need for quicker decision‑making and a more assertive approach in future fixtures, noting that while they deserved the first‑half result, they failed to maintain the intensity required to compete.
Overall, the match served as a clear indicator of Everton’s intent this season. Their blend of youthful exuberance, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing suggests they could be a formidable opponent for the rest of the campaign. For Palace, the defeat provides a learning opportunity; they must address their lack of cutting edge in the final third and improve their transition speed if they hope to climb the table. Fans can catch all Premier League action via the Sky Sports app, and highlights are available for free online.
The post‑match analysis from Sherwood summed up the narrative succinctly: "Everton counter‑attacked with quality and pace, punishing Palace’s hesitancy. Palace played attractive football but were on the wrong end of the result." In summary, Everton’s 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace was a showcase of strategic execution, youthful talent, and decisive finishing, while Palace will need to regroup and refine their approach as they look ahead to the next round of fixtures.