Everton began their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring on 42 minutes, and Thierno Barry headed a second goal in the 53rd minute to secure the win.
Early pressure from Palace
The Blues survived early scares against the UEFA Conference League winners. Jordan Pickford tipped an Eddie Nketiah effort onto his left-hand post, and Jean-Philippe Mateta struck a shot against the same upright.
Everton took the lead when Scouse teenager Harrison Armstrong picked out Dewsbury-Hall, who fired an emphatic shot across goal to beat Dean Henderson. David Moyes' side doubled their advantage after the interval when Iliman Ndiaye's lofted right-wing cross was headed in by Barry.
Player ratings
Jordan Pickford 8 - A big sliding doors moment early on as he rescued Everton with a brilliant save to tip Nketiah's shot onto the post after the home defence had been opened up by Adam Wharton's pass. He also had to deal with a Daniel Munoz effort, although a kick upfield hit Branthwaite and almost played him into trouble.
Merlin Rohl 7 - Offered the Blues a different dimension to Jake O'Brien in the right-back role, pushing forwards and putting in telling passes and crosses but for all his willing running and athleticism, they still need a specialist in the role.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7 - Needed to be wary of Munoz's threat going forward but as well as making some strong challenges, he started to push up more himself as the game went on and when picking up the ball at full stretch he found Barry.
James Tarkowski 7 - Now club captain as well as just wearing the armband, he denied Dwight McNeil – his former team-mate at both Burnley and Everton – with an early block but for all his usual bravery, had to remain wary of being picked off by Palace's passing.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7 - Was denied a penalty for offside, with VAR getting involved, after being chopped down by Jaydee Canvot. It was great to see his ability on the ball coming out of defence, and keeping him healthy could be a key factor for Everton this season after just 10 matches last term.
Midfield and attack
Harrison Armstrong 8 - Showed terrific desire to win the ball from Daniel Munoz and put in the cross to set up Dewsbury-Hall's goal. This was a huge opening day opportunity for the Everton home-grown hero with Christian Norgaard injured and Player of the Season James Garner only just coming back, and there was graft as well as craft as he broke up his fair share of opposition play.
Hayden Hackney 7 - Making his Premier League debut, the Championship Player of the Season had to hit the ground running but looked comfortable on the ball, always looking to play progressively and he could provide an extra dimension to Everton's play in the engine room once he finds his rhythm.
Iliman Ndiaye 8 - David Moyes says he has no intention of selling him, and Everton can't afford to lose him now – regardless of the fee. Back on the right wing, he was a real bright spark with his dribbling back on point and a constant danger to Palace. He was picked out by Rohl for an early chance but denied by Dean Henderson's save, and then had a volleyed second half effort also kept out, although his magic produced the lofted cross for the second goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 9 - Burst into life late in the first half, putting a chance on a plate for Thierno Barry but after the striker fluffed his lines, he showed him how it's done with a terrific shot across goal to open the scoring. He was always buzzing around, pushing and prompting.
Tyrique George 7 - All that was missing was a goal. He only started once for Everton last term, so this was a big chance for him after an impressive pre-season, and he looked lively, flashing shots across the face of goal both sides of the interval and looking lively throughout.
Thierno Barry 7 - Followed up an encouraging pre-season with an opening day headed goal in front of the South Stand after earlier having the ball struck under his feet when played through by Dewsbury-Hall on an afternoon when he was always a willing runner, being hacked down by Daichi Kamada with the challenge earning the Japanese player a yellow card.
Substitutes
James Garner (on 79 for Hackney) - Hardly missed a kick last season, it was great to see him back in the action late on here.
Beto (on 79 for Barry) - Job share with the French striker continues.
Brennan Johnson (on 84 for George) - Made his debut against his previous club with a late cameo.
Charly Alcaraz (94 for Dewsbury-Hall) - Stoppage time outing to allow Dewsbury-Hall to be applauded off.
