Everton 2 - 0 Crystal Palace

Everton launched their Premier League season with an emphatic 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on August 22, 2026. The match, held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, showcased the home side's intent right from the start.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring just before halftime, netting a well-placed shot in the 42nd minute after receiving a slick assist from Harrison Armstrong. The goal ignited the Everton crowd, who had been patiently waiting for a breakthrough against a resilient Palace defense.

The second half saw Everton double their lead just eight minutes in. Thierno Barry, who proved to be a constant threat throughout the match, scored with a powerful header following a precise cross from Iliman Ndiaye. The 2-0 advantage sent a clear message that Everton were not just here to participate but to compete.

Crystal Palace struggled to find their rhythm, and despite making several substitutions in hopes of turning the tide, they couldn't break through Everton's solid defense. Daichi Kamada earned a yellow card in the first half, highlighting Palace's frustrations as they tried to regain control of the match.

Everton's substitutions in the second half, including the introduction of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Beto, helped maintain their momentum and keep Palace at bay. The home side's defense was resolute, stifling any attempts from the visitors to mount a comeback.

As the match wound down, Everton's confidence grew, and they comfortably held onto their two-goal lead. The victory not only marked a strong start to their Premier League campaign but also set the tone for a promising season ahead.

Overall, this match was a testament to Everton's preparedness and determination, with Dewsbury-Hall and Barry standing out as key players in their successful opener against Crystal Palace.