Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace: Five key takeaways from Premier League 2026-27 match

The Toffees sealed a solid victory over the Eagles.

Everton hosted Crystal Palace in a crucial Matchday 1 fixture of the English Premier League 2026-27 season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Goals in each half from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry sealed a 2-0 win for the Toffees.

The visitors started the game brilliantly, denying Everton any clear-cut chances to trouble Dean Henderson’s goal. Eddie Nketiah had a glorious opportunity to put the Eagles ahead in the 17th minute, but Jordan Pickford’s brilliant save kept the deadlock intact.

Jean-Philippe Mateta also had a chance to score the opening goal before half-time, but the French striker’s shot hit the post from close range. However, the Toffees were the first to find the breakthrough. Harrison Armstrong won possession and found Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose rocket shot flew past Henderson.

Thierno Barry doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, heading Iliman Ndiaye’s pinpoint cross with a thunderous header. Crystal Palace’s comeback was made tougher as key defender Chadi Riad was forced off after suffering what looked like a serious injury.

The hosts held firm to seal a solid victory, getting their Premier League campaign off to a winning start.

Important things we learned from Everton vs Crystal Palace:

1. Pickford saves Everton’s blushes

The first half saw both sides go for the kill from the get-go, leading to several chances being created at either end. Palace, however, had the better opportunities, with Eddie Nketiah almost putting his side ahead in the 17th minute. However, Jordan Pickford pulled out a world-class stop to tip the ball onto the bar and keep the hosts in the game. An early contender for the save of the season.

2. Tyrique vs Tyrick

With Palace successfully choking the Everton counter-attacks, most of the Toffees’ attacks came from the left side via Tyrique George. This pitted the former Chelsea youngster against Tyrick Mitchell. In a largely disappointing first half, George had two shots and routinely got the better of his marker, even though his final ball was a letdown.

Also Read: Why did Ismaila Sarr miss Everton vs Crystal Palace Premier League 2026-27

3. Defensive error undoes Palace’s hard work

The visitors were undoubtedly the better side for most of the first half. They had two glorious chances to go in front, and Pierre Sage clearly won the tactical battle against David Moyes.

However, a defensive error, with Daniel Muñoz losing possession in his own half, was punished by the Toffees, with Dewsbury-Hall beating Henderson. Having lost Chadi Riad to a nasty injury, Palace will need to strengthen their depleted defence in the upcoming matches.

4. Everton grab the moments

Crystal Palace will come out of tonight’s match thinking that they did not deserve to lose, certainly not by two goals. The Eagles were the better side for large periods of the game, but the hosts were much more clinical in grabbing their moments. One misplaced possession from Munoz led to the opener, and Ndiaye’s cross was headed in by Barry, who had little to do for the opening 50 minutes.

5. Poor finishing hurts the Eagles

Palace had 10 shots throughout the match, with an xG of 1.75. Four of those were classified as big chances, but the visitors failed to test Henderson much. The goalkeeper made one brilliant save to deny Nketiah, and Mateta missed another big opportunity. Sage will know that his players can’t afford to be this wasteful if they want to push for a top-half finish.

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