Everton made an impressive start to their 2026/27 Premier League campaign, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The result will come as a major boost for David Moyes and his players, particularly after Everton had suffered defeats in each of their previous four opening-day Premier League fixtures.
With the new season finally underway, both teams entered the contest hoping to begin their campaigns with three valuable points. However, it was Everton who ultimately made the most of their opportunities to claim a deserved victory.
Palace Threaten Early
Crystal Palace almost enjoyed the perfect start under new manager Pierre Sage, who was looking to become only the third manager in the club’s history to win his opening Premier League match in charge.
The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening three minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta found himself with a glorious opportunity from close range.
However, the Palace striker was unable to keep his effort on target, stabbing the ball over the crossbar when he appeared to have a good chance of putting his side ahead.
That early opportunity gave Crystal Palace confidence, and the Eagles continued to look dangerous as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Eddie Nketiah was next to come close for the visitors, forcing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into action. The England international produced an excellent save to push Nketiah’s low effort onto the post.
Everton were also creating chances of their own, with Iliman Ndiaye testing Dean Henderson at the opposite end. The Palace goalkeeper responded strongly to deny the Everton attacker and keep the score level.
Mateta Misses Another Big Chance
As the first half progressed, both sides continued to probe for an opening, with the game developing into an entertaining contest.
Crystal Palace, in particular, had another huge opportunity to take the lead through Mateta. The forward found himself with only Pickford to beat, but his effort struck the post.
It was another frustrating miss for Palace and one that would prove particularly costly before the interval.
Dewsbury-Hall Breaks the Deadlock
Everton took advantage of Palace’s missed opportunities shortly before half-time when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall produced a moment of quality to give the hosts the lead.
The midfielder collected a pass from Harrison Armstrong before creating enough space to unleash a superb left-footed strike.
Dewsbury-Hall’s effort was perfectly placed into the far corner, leaving Henderson with little chance of making the save.
The goal changed the mood around the stadium, with Everton heading into the break with a 1-0 advantage despite Palace having created several promising opportunities during the opening period.
For Moyes, it was an important moment as his team demonstrated the clinical edge that had been missing from some of their recent performances.
Everton Double Their Advantage
Everton returned for the second half with plenty of attacking intent, determined to extend their lead rather than simply protect their advantage.
The Toffees’ confidence was rewarded in the 53rd minute when they found the back of the net for a second time.
Ndiaye played a key role in the move, delivering a sublime cross into the danger area. Thierno Barry reacted quickly and made no mistake with his header from inside the six-yard box.
The finish gave Everton a 2-0 lead and put them firmly in control of the contest.
For Crystal Palace, the second goal was a major setback. After failing to take advantage of their chances in the first half, the Eagles now had a mountain to climb if they were to rescue anything from the match.
Everton Remain in Control
With a two-goal cushion, Everton continued to look the more dangerous side. Rather than sitting deep and allowing Palace to dictate the game, Moyes’ men remained positive and continued looking for further opportunities.
Ndiaye came close to adding another goal when he saw his volley thwarted by Henderson, who reacted well to keep the deficit from becoming even greater.
Tyrique George also had an opportunity for Everton but was unable to find the target with his effort across the face of goal.
Crystal Palace continued to push forward in the closing stages, hoping to find a goal that could give them a route back into the match.
However, Everton’s defence remained organised, while Pickford continued to demonstrate why he is such an important figure for the Toffees.
The Everton goalkeeper was called upon once again to deny Jørgen Strand Larsen, producing another important save from the striker’s header.
Moyes Ends Unwanted Run
The final whistle confirmed a memorable 2-0 victory for Everton and provided Moyes with the perfect way to begin the new Premier League campaign.
The victory also ended a difficult run of four consecutive opening-day defeats for Everton, giving the club’s supporters plenty of reason for optimism at the beginning of the new season.
It was also a significant result for Moyes personally, as he avoided going eight top-flight matches without a victory in charge of Everton for the first time.
Everton’s performance was built around good organisation, strong goalkeeping and, most importantly, their ability to take advantage of the opportunities that came their way.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will be left wondering what might have happened had they converted some of their early chances. Mateta’s two missed opportunities, in particular, proved costly as Everton punished the Eagles when their own chances arrived.
Despite the defeat, Palace showed enough attacking threat to suggest they can cause problems for opponents throughout the season. However, Sage will know that his side must become more clinical in front of goal.
A Strong Statement From Everton
For Everton, this was more than simply three points. Starting the season with a clean sheet and a two-goal victory gives the Toffees an early confidence boost as they look to establish themselves as a competitive Premier League side.
Dewsbury-Hall’s excellent finish set the tone, while Barry’s second-half header provided the breathing room Everton needed to see out the match comfortably.
Ndiaye also played an important role, contributing to the second goal and creating problems for the Palace defence throughout the match.
Ultimately, Everton were the more clinical side on the day. Palace had opportunities, but the Toffees made theirs count and deserved to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium with all three points.
With the 2026/27 Premier League season now underway, Everton will hope this victory can provide the foundation for a successful campaign.
Man of the Match
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton)
Dewsbury-Hall was rewarded for his influential performance with the Man of the Match award. His superb first-half strike proved to be the turning point of the game and helped Everton establish the platform for a winning start.