Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in Premier League opener at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool in a Matchday 1 Premier League fixture on August 22, 2026. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry were the goalscorers for the hosts.
Crystal Palace began the game strongly and limited Everton’s clear-cut opportunities early on. Eddie Nketiah squandered a gilt-edged chance in the 17th minute but Jordan Pickford produced a superb save to keep the scores level, and Jean-Philippe Mateta struck the post from close range before half-time.
Everton’s opening goal followed a turnover by Daniel Muñoz that Harrison Armstrong recovered before feeding Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose powerful finish beat Dean Henderson. Most of Everton’s attacking work came down the left through Tyrique George; George registered two shots and frequently got the better of Tyrick Mitchell, although his final delivery often lacked end product.
Thierno Barry doubled Everton’s lead shortly after the break with a header from Iliman Ndiaye’s cross, the forward having had little to do for the opening 50 minutes. Crystal Palace were further weakened when defender Chadi Riad was forced off with what appeared to be a serious injury.
Palace registered 10 shots, an expected goals (xG) of 1.75 and four opportunities classified as big chances but failed to convert enough of those openings. Jordan Pickford’s stop to deny Nketiah and Mateta’s missed opportunity were the clearest moments for the visitors, despite Pierre Sage’s side generally looking the better team for long periods of the first half.
The visitors left feeling they did not deserve a two-goal defeat, and their wastefulness in front of goal was noted as a problem by Palace staff; Sage will know his players cannot afford such profligacy if they aim for a top-half finish. Having lost Chadi Riad to injury, Palace face a depleted defensive unit for upcoming matches.
The match finished 2-0 with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (42nd minute) and Thierno Barry (53rd minute) on the scoresheet.
