Everton could hardly have asked for a better opening to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
David Moyes’ side defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium, combining defensive resilience with two quality finishes to claim three points in front of an electric home crowd.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring shortly before half-time before Thierno Barry headed Everton’s second early in the second half.
It was Everton’s first opening-day victory since 2021 — and one that could provide an early confidence boost for Moyes and his squad.
The scoreline tells only part of the story. Palace created several excellent opportunities during the opening 45 minutes, with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford producing another reminder of his importance to the team.
Eddie Nketiah appeared certain to score after being played through by Adam Wharton, but Pickford somehow diverted the forward’s effort onto the post.
Jean-Philippe Mateta then wasted another golden opportunity from close range before striking the woodwork himself later in the half.
Everton were living dangerously. But they survived — and eventually made Palace pay.
Everton’s breakthrough arrived three minutes before half-time.
Harrison Armstrong showed excellent determination to win possession from Daniel Munoz before finding Dewsbury-Hall on the edge of the penalty area.
The midfielder still had plenty to do. He did it brilliantly.
Dewsbury-Hall opened his body and unleashed a superb angled drive that flew into the top-right corner, leaving Dean Henderson with no chance.
It was a finish that transformed the mood inside Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton returned after the interval with greater purpose and quickly doubled their lead.
Iliman Ndiaye was again at the heart of the move.
After being brought down near the right touchline, a quick free-kick allowed Hayden Hackney to release Ndiaye, who delivered a beautifully weighted curling cross into the danger area.
Barry attacked it with conviction. The Everton striker rose above the Palace defence and powered a header beyond Henderson to make it 2-0.
For a team making its first competitive appearance of the season, the attacking connection between Ndiaye and Barry was particularly encouraging.
Palace will look back at the match with frustration.
They created enough chances to make life extremely uncomfortable for Everton, particularly before the break.
Mateta’s two missed opportunities and Nketiah’s effort against the post proved costly.
Everton, meanwhile, showed the ruthlessness Palace lacked.
They survived the pressure, found their moment through Dewsbury-Hall and then punished their opponents again through Barry.
Moyes also handed full Everton debuts to Hayden Hackney, while Tyrique George started on the left wing and Merlin Rohl operated at right-back after an impressive pre-season.
The new-look Everton side appeared energised by the occasion, with the atmosphere inside Hill Dickinson Stadium adding another dimension to the opening-day spectacle.
The performance was not perfect. But it was effective.
A new season brings new expectations, and Everton have made their first statement.
The Blues showed character when Palace were on top, quality when opportunities arrived and enough attacking threat to secure a comfortable final margin.
Most importantly, they have three points on the board.
For Moyes, that is the perfect foundation. For the supporters, it is an opening-day result worth believing in.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
