First-half breakthrough
Everton opened the scoring at the 42nd minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a left-footed shot that slipped past Crystal Palace’s defence into the net. The goal came after a counter-attack that saw Eddie Nketiah provide a sharp assist, but the French striker was not at his best and could not convert the opportunity.
Second goal and final minutes
The second goal arrived in the 53rd minute when Thierno Barry headed the ball home after a superb assist from Senegalese midfielder Iliman Ndiaye. The header extended Everton’s lead to 2-0, and the match remained unchanged for the remainder of regulation time.
Key moments and injuries
During the first half, Crystal Palace suffered a serious injury to Moroccan player Chadi Riad, who left the field with his jersey covering his face. Japanese player Tomiyasu was brought on as his replacement. Midway through the second half, Pierre Sage rested forward Mateta, who was not performing well, and Jørgen Strand Larsen came on to replace him.
The match featured four minutes of stoppage time added at the 45th minute, during which Crystal Palace hit the post, only to concede the decisive goal. A further seven minutes of stoppage time were added at the 90th minute, but neither side managed to score. The game extended to the 97th minute, with both goalkeepers - Crystal Palace’s Henderson and Everton’s Pickford - making timely saves to preserve the scoreline.
Match conclusion
Everton’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium secured three points for the Toffees and a strong start to the Premier League campaign. The match ended with Everton’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
