Everton player assessments following the Blues’ 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall finds the net for Everton’s opener (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Everton began their 2026/27 campaign with three points after overcoming Crystal Palace 2-0 in their opening Premier League encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees had to withstand early pressure from the UEFA Conference League champions, with Jordan Pickford pushing Eddie Nketiah’s strike onto his left-hand post before Jean-Philippe Mateta rattled the same piece of woodwork. The home side broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Scouse youngster Harrison Armstrong supplied Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who rifled a composed finish across goal to defeat Dean Henderson.
Moyes’ side extended their advantage on 53 minutes when Iliman Ndiaye’s floated delivery from the right wing stayed airborne before Thierno Barry headed home.
Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports package features at least 215 live Premier League matches throughout the 2026/27 season, alongside over 1,500 fixtures from the EFL and additional sports, including F1, golf and darts.
This promotional deal represents a saving of £384 against the regular cost, with all packages also offering 100 standard channels plus complimentary Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
Jordan Pickford 8
An early pivotal moment arrived when he produced an excellent stop to divert Eddie Nketiah’s attempt onto the post after Adam Wharton’s pass had exposed the home backline, while he also had to deal with a Daniel Munoz strike, although a clearance upfield struck Branthwaite and nearly caused problems.
Merlin Rohl 7
Provided the Blues with an alternative option to Jake O’Brien at right-back, advancing forward and delivering key passes and crosses, though despite his energetic running and athleticism, they still require a specialist in that position.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Had to monitor Munoz’s attacking threat but alongside making several robust tackles, he began pushing higher up the pitch as the match progressed and when collecting the ball at full stretch, he located Barry.
James Tarkowski 7
Now club captain rather than just wearing the armband, he prevented Dwight McNeil – his former colleague at both Burnley and Everton – with an early block but despite his typical courage, had to be careful about being caught out by Palace’s passing.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Was denied a spot-kick for offside following VAR’s intervention after being felled by Jaydee Canvot, it was encouraging to witness his composure on the ball bringing the ball out of defence and keeping him fit could prove crucial for Everton this term after only ten appearances last season.
Harrison Armstrong 8
Demonstrated excellent hunger to win possession from Daniel Munoz and delivered the cross that created Dewsbury-Hall’s goal, this represented a significant opening day opportunity for the Everton academy product with Christian Norgaard sidelined and Player of the Season James Garner only recently returning, and he combined industry with quality by winning numerous challenges.
Hayden Hackney 7
Making his Premier League bow, the Championship Player of the Season needed to make an immediate impact but appeared assured on the ball, consistently seeking forward options and he could offer Everton additional variety in midfield once he settles into his stride.
Iliman Ndiaye 8
Moyes has stated he has no plans to sell him and Everton cannot afford to lose him now – irrespective of the fee – operating on the right flank and proved a genuine threat with his dribbling restored to its best and a consistent menace to Palace, he was found by Rohl for an early opportunity but denied by Dean Henderson’s save, then saw a second-half volley also kept out, although his skill provided the lifted cross for the second goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 9
Came alive towards the end of the first half, presenting a clear chance for Thierno Barry but after the forward missed his opportunity, he demonstrated how to finish with an excellent strike across goal to give the lead, he was constantly active, urging colleagues forward.
Tyrique George 7
The only thing missing was a goal, he had made only one start for Everton last season, so this represented a major opportunity for him following an impressive pre-season, and he appeared sharp, firing efforts across the goal both before and after half-time.
Thierno Barry 7
Built on an encouraging pre-season with an opening day headed goal in front of the South Stand after earlier having the ball struck beneath him when played through by Dewsbury-Hall on an afternoon where he was always industrious, being brought down by Daichi Kamada with the challenge resulting in a yellow card for the Japanese player.
Substitutes
James Garner (on 79 for Hackney)
Barely put a foot wrong last season, it was pleasing to see him return to action late on here.
Beto (on 79 for Barry)
Rotation with the French forward continues.
Brennan Johnson (on 84 for George)
Made his bow against his former club with a late appearance.
Charly Alcaraz (94 for Dewsbury-Hall)
Stoppage time run-out to enable Dewsbury-Hall to receive applause.
FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB page
Get YOUR Everton FC Newsletter
Get the best Everton FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!
To get it, it’s a quick and easy one-two:
Head THIS WAY
Enter your email and hit Subscribe.