Everton opened the Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, the first time in five years the club had secured a victory on opening day. The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall curled a left-footed shot past Palace keeper Dean Henderson into the bottom corner of the net. Dewsbury-Hall’s finish was described as “pure magic” by manager David Moyes, who praised the goal as a key moment that set the tone for the rest of the match.
The second goal arrived early in the second half when Thierno Barry headed in a close-range cross from the right flank. The header was a quick reaction to a free-kick from Everton’s Merlin Rohl, and Barry’s finish left Henderson with no chance. The goal was the only one for Palace, who had been in control for much of the first half but failed to convert several opportunities.
Palace’s missed chances were highlighted by the performance of Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Pickford made a number of crucial saves, including a fingertip stop on a shot from Jean-Philippe Mateta and a tip over on a close-range effort from Daniel Munoz. Pickford’s presence in goal was a decisive factor in keeping the scoreline at 2-0.
Despite the early advantage, Palace’s attack was stifled by Everton’s disciplined defence. The visitors were denied a clear chance when Adam Wharton’s cross was met by Pickford, and a side-footed shot from Mateta rebounded off the post. Palace’s only real threat came from a header by Barry, which was blocked by Henderson.
New Palace manager Pierre Sage, who took charge after the club’s Europa Conference League triumph 89 days earlier, was frustrated by the team’s inability to convert chances. “Sometimes you don’t score when you deserve to score - and you pay the bill,” Sage said, adding that the squad needed to improve their finishing.
The match also highlighted the absence of Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr, who was injured and unable to play. Sage confirmed that Sarr would be training on Monday, noting that his contract and experience were still valuable assets for the club.
Everton’s performance was characterised by a high tempo and a number of chances created by Iliman Ndiaye, who had a shot straight at Henderson from 12 yards. The hosts also had a chance when a cross from Ndiaye was met by Barry, but the goal was missed.
The victory leaves Everton with three points and a positive start to the season, while Palace will look to regroup for their next fixture. Sarr’s return to training on Monday will be a key factor for Palace as they aim to improve their form in the coming weeks.
