Everton opened their Premier League campaign in style, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck shortly before half-time before Thierno Barry’s 53rd-minute header gave the hosts the breathing room their purposeful display deserved.
In front of 51,820 supporters in Liverpool, Everton were efficient without dominating the ball. Crystal Palace had 57.9% possession, but the home side created the more substantial threat, finishing with 16 shots to Palace’s 11 and putting five efforts on target.
Dewsbury-Hall breaks the deadlock
Palace’s control of possession did not translate into a first-half breakthrough, and Everton made their key moment count. Dewsbury-Hall found the net in the 42nd minute to send the home side into the interval with a 1-0 advantage.
The visitors had already picked up a caution through Daichi Kamada in the 30th minute, and Everton’s sharper work in the decisive areas of the pitch ensured that Palace had a deficit to chase after the break.
Barry header puts Everton in command
Everton did not sit on their lead. Eight minutes into the second half, Barry headed home in the 53rd minute to double the advantage and give the hosts a firm grip on the fixture.
That second goal changed the rhythm of the contest. Palace continued to see plenty of the ball and registered four shots on target, but Everton’s defensive work held up, while the home side remained a threat through their 13 shot assists and four corners.
For Everton, it was an encouraging combination of clinical finishing and defensive resilience: two goals from five shots on target, a clean sheet, and three points to begin the season. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will look for a more cutting edge when they face Manchester City on Friday, August 28.
Everton’s next Premier League fixture comes against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, August 29.
Goals
- 42′ — Everton: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
- 53′ — Everton: Thierno Barry
