Everton began their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium, goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry either side of half-time sealing the win. The result provided a lift after the disappointment of the previous season's conclusion, with the national media focusing on the performance of teenager Harrison Armstrong and the return of Prime Minister Andy Burnham to the directors' box.
Dewsbury-Hall strike proves decisive
Paul Joyce of The Times noted that Burnham, having swapped his season ticket for a seat in the directors' box, was able to forget the stresses of office as Everton started with a win. Joyce wrote that the prime minister accepted an invitation to be a guest in the boardroom, sitting next to Peter Reid until Dewsbury-Hall's stunning finish just before the interval brought them to their feet.
Moyes revealed he spoke to the prime minister before kick-off, explaining: "I don't think we have won in the opening game of the season since 2021 so it was important. Our points total away from home last year was fantastic. We just need to make sure that our home form is a bit more regular."
The breakthrough came from an error by Palace's Daniel Munoz, who was dispossessed by Harrison Armstrong. Dewsbury-Hall's speared strike from the left side of the box flashed across Dean Henderson. Barry then made the contest safe after the interval, rising highest to dispatch Iliman Ndiaye's cross.
Moyes' 'happy knack' praised
Dominic King of The Telegraph highlighted Moyes' "happy knack" of conjuring a performance and result when it mattered, with Everton ending a run of four years without an opening-day success. King noted that Palace could have been ahead before Everton scored, with Jordan Pickford making a marvellous stop to thwart Eddie Nketiah in the 17th minute and Jean-Philippe Mateta striking a post in the 38th minute.
King described Armstrong, a 19-year-old local boy, as showing grit and tenacity to win possession and set up Dewsbury-Hall's goal. Moyes said: "Once we got the goal, we were able to play a bit. It was a brilliant save from Jordan, it really was. He's come back from the World Cup and he looks lean, as sharp as a tack. Kiernan scored eight goals last season, we want him to get a few more."
New signings impress
Andy Hunter of The Guardian wrote that Everton grew into the game, with summer signings Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl all impressing. Hunter noted that creativity was initially in short supply until Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye imposed themselves, with the midfielder's angled drive into Henderson's far corner opening the season in style.
Hunter also highlighted Munoz's miss, heading wide from Daichi Kamada's delivery, and Barry's header from Ndiaye's cross, with the French striker rising between Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot to score at close range.
Armstrong's influence noted
Keifer MacDonald of BBC Sport wrote that Everton are finally starting to feel at home at Hill Dickinson Stadium, after Moyes had likened their first season at the new ground to a room in a new house with only the wallpaper up. MacDonald noted the performances of Dewsbury-Hall and Pickford were enough to navigate a difficult first half, with Nketiah and Mateta hitting the post for Palace.
Joe Thomas of the Liverpool ECHO highlighted Armstrong's key role, including his interception of Munoz to set up the first goal. Thomas noted that with Christian Norgaard injured, James Garner only fit for the bench and Hackney having never played a minute in the Premier League, experience was provided by Everton's youngest player. Armstrong lasted the full match, with Moyes able to share minutes around the squad after Barry doubled the lead just after the break.
