Everton 2 - 1 Crystal Palace | OneFootball

It was Super Sunday in the end for Everton, but only after Crystal Palace had totally dominated the first half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on the back of a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run by the visitors. But the Blues fought back doggedly in a scrappy second half, winning this difficult game in the end with first a penalty taken superbly by Ndiaye, and then Jack Grealish banging in a blocked Beto header. What a win!

The great reveal, with David Moyes making what could be a crucial choice of who will replace the suspended Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as he looked to inspire an increasingly moribund attacking force to some greater achievements in terms of creating chances and scoring goals.

At long last, Tyler Dibling is given his first Premier League start in an Everton shirt. And Moyes goes with the ineffectual Barry up front but he can't fight his inner pragmatism with the inexplicable nonsense of naming two goalkeepers on the bench.

First Half

With Palace kicking off, the line-up behind Barry was Grealish left, Ndiaye central, and Dibling right. But Everton could not prevent an early corner after a midfield throw-in from Richards. Pickford had to dive low to clear an early shot from Pino. That was followed by a weaker shot from Mitchell.

There was little by way of a high press as Everton allowed Palace to run at them Gueye very fortunate not to be called for what looked like a trip. But the Palace free-kick tally was ticking up quickly, although they preferred playing it backwards, and when it did come up field, some fine work from Michael Keane to clear the ball.

Everton got forward, Mykolenko winning a long throw that looked momentarily dangerous. Garner and Gueye tried to build on the left without involving Grealish and soon lost the ball. Ndiaye forced a turnover and fed Grealish who shot too close to Henderson.

Palace looked threatening and were quickly up the other end, Barry losing a cleared ball. Head tennis from a Palace throw saw Kamada's shot blocked. O'Brien fouled wide right, a deep free-kick ending in a Palace corner that was desperately defended until Everton somehow got a free-kick off Guehi.

Ndiaye tried to dribble through three players and won a throw-in but A turnover saw Palace forward again before their move broke down. But Everton were slow in trying to break clear of pressing players. But Mykolenko tried a shot from long distance, flying over, a bit of a waste.

Sarr could not get past Keane on the Everton left but it gave Richards another opportunity for a fantastic long throw, a deflected shot from close range pawed away smartly by Pickford, Blues just about hanging on!

Everton were really struggling to get Grealish involved, although he was passing the ball off quicker when he did get it. O'Brien found Mykolenko with a deep cross but he was immediately blocked from crossing it in low.

Pino released Mitchell in acres of space and his shot clipped off the angle. Mykolenko lost the ball cheaply in the return and Palace were right through, a great chance for Mateta, hit hard and low, saved brilliantly by Pickford, who should probably be up 3-0 at this point, Everton were being so outclassed.

Dibling and Grealish connected but the play slowed up and any space was gone. Barry was in strongly on Wharton but no foul, Everton then given the free kick. Grealish was forced to play back by Munoz.

Grealish got another chance to advance but again came back and played it square. It eventually got to Dibling who cut in and shot but low and weak, easily saved. Everton's defending looked better but a loose ball gave Palace another corner, defended clear for another Richards throw that looked to cause havoc, Tarkowski prodding it away.

Grealish fed the ball back to Garner who put in a fantastic ball to Barry at the far post but he completely missed the ball under pressure from Guehi. It got a bit competitive in midfield, Garner and Guehi.

Both Grealish and Dibling had to drop deep to help out but, as Everton pushed forward, they lost the ball and it was suddenly three against two, Sarr feeding Munoz on his right on full overload with acres to himself, firing low under Pickford. Remarkable that it had taken 37 minutes!

With Palace pushing for a second through some excellent intensity, there was a brief moment where Ndiaye conjured a break but it exposed Barry's incompetence more than anything, him unable to beat his man or play Ndiaye back in.

Everton got forward and looked to create something, Mykolenko battling valiantly, but it was shockingly poor in comparison, Ndiaye getting the ball but then he was double-teamed with no one bothering to show themselves and help him out.

And so the half ended, Everton comprehensively outplayed all over the field and very fortunate to be only a goal down.

Second Half

The Masterful Moyes saw the writing on the wall, Alcaraz and Beto on for Dibling and Barry, Alcaraz playing centrally with Ndiaye on the right. Alcaraz produced a great play through to Ndiaye but for some astounding reason, he failed to shoot, crossing instead to a defender.

But Everton had a much better spell of pressure, Garner picking out O'Brien at the far post but no power in his header. Palace rocking a little, although problems still with Everton's final ball not producing enough. Grealish played Beto in down the left but his cross was impossible for Ndiaye to get to.

The Blues were at least making a game of it now, but Grealish fouled Wharton as Keane needed attention. Beto showed some great determination to retain possession, albeit in Everton''s half.

But the early intensity after half-time flagged a little and Palace put togther a great move, only stopped by Tarkowski with some tremendous defensive work. But the ball was lost by a tackle form behind on Gana and Palace drove forward, shooting wide.

Everton tried to play forward again but it wouldn't roll for them and Palace were able to steal it back. Mykolenko and _____ got in a mix-up and allowed Mateta to break free and drove forward, certain to score, but O'Brien got behind Pickford and headed the chipped shot clear.

Everton from a throw saw two snapshots from Keane, the first blocked, the second going wide.

But Palace got away, a brillant pass to Sarr, Pickford out to stop him but the ball falling to Mateta who needed t role inside the post but he rolled it wide. Iroegbunam replaced Keane, Garner moving to right-back.

Alacara zgit forwad and lashed a great shot at goal but Henderson got has hand up to claw it away. Everton took the corner quickly but

Pino stopped Garner from taking a quick free-kick, Garner tried to push him away, both players booked, followed by David Moyes, everyone was now a bit riled. Everton won a free-kick but Graner's ball to the far post beat everyone.

A string of contentious decisions broke the game up but a ball in past Beto saw Iroegbunam running inside and Lacroix could only bring him down for a clear penalty. Iliman Ndiaye sent Henderson the wrong way, to a tremendous roar from the South Stand and the rest of the Hill Dickinson stadium -- a massive moment.

Beto did remarkably well to force a corner, Garner delivering it well but Sarr went down with a head injury after Beto had won the ball. The restart was a drop-ball near the corner flag and it looked to be cleared but Grealish got forward -- his shot needed to be a lot more intelligent though. No good firing straight at Henderson.

Palcw looked to regain control, moving the ball well enough, nut Everton had got the crowd behind them and looked to make the most of the final few minutes. It was end to end with Grealish trying to break through but Mykolenko couldn't beat his marker.

A long throw from O'Brien, but not enough power for Beto to threaten. Grealish halted Munoz who wanted the Everton player booked, but he got the card instead. Late changes by Glasner broke up any lasting momentum.

Grealish won another throw-in but Everton could not fashion a shot.

Beto got a ball to drop back for Alcaraz who skied his effort. Wharton strode forward and redied to shoot but Garner was across brilliantly with a block.

The ball got forward for Grealish again but it was only a throw-in. But Everton kept pushing forward, and a tremendous roar greeted the end of an excellent move Alcaraz, playing forward to Ndiaye, Beto attacking his cross with a huge leap and powerful header that was blocked 2 yards out and Jack Grealish was there to smash it into the roof of the Crystal Palace net.

The last few minutes of added time -- 8 minutes stretched somehow to 13 as Palace got forward again and got another long throw before referee Salisbury finally blew his whistle on a fantastic comeback victory for The Blues.

Everton:  Pickford, O’Brien, Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Keane (65' Iroegbunam) Gueye, Garner [Y:68'], Dibling (46' Alcaraz), Grealish, Ndiaye [Y:90+5'] (90+10' Coleman), Barry (46' Beto).

Crystal Palace: Hender son, Munoz [Y:87], Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Kamada (82' Lerma), Wharton [Y:82'], Pino [Y:68'] (88' Devenny), Mateta (70' Nketiah), Sarr (89' Uche).

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Neil Lawson 4 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:30:44

I reckon Ndiaye left, Dibling right and Grealish wherever the fancy takes him.

Does it really matter so long as Barry scores!!

Stu Gre 5 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:40:20

I like this team.

Paul Kossoff 6 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:41:23

I'm a bit worried Crystal Palace will control midfield and go right through the middle of us. Why? Will those attacking players do the donkey work when not in possession?

Hope they do. Attack them, take the chance when it comes, but do the hard work when we have lost the ball. Coyb.

Kevin Molloy 7 Posted 05/10/2025 at 13:48:28

Paul

Yes, I think you're right. Dibling and Grealish will not be nearly as effective as Harrison and Doucoure when we don't have the ball. To the extent that I think we will play more of a patient possession game so that we reduce the risk.

Doucoure and Harrison were not pretty to watch, but for the system we were playing last season they were very effective. But with Grealish and Dibling, we effectively now do not have a press. Especially when you factor in we are playing with a low block cos no Jarrad.

Kevin Molloy 10 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:01:09

you've only written a few words there Michael, but my word what a lot of nonsense. 'At long last' Tyler gets his start? who would you have dropped to bring him in? Grealish? Ndiaye?And your reference to 'the ineffectual Barry'. He's had one start in the league. And in that game he played his part in both the goals we scored.

John Wignall 11 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:29:48

Playing with 9 men Barry and dibling can't get into the game

Ernie Baywood 12 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:39:28

We'll they've definitely deserved that.

Again we look ineffectual against good opposition.

A chain is as strong as its weakest link. On the ball we just have so many of them.

John Wignall 13 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:42:39

Barry should have scored palace go down the pitch and score palace look miles better

Sean Kearns 14 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:43:36

The league scripted this by booking Dewsbury-Hall 5 times. He’s our most effective player and the PL knows it…. Play N’Diaye up front and fuck Barry off for good. Badly hope we get Gabriel Jesus in January… Wouldn’t mind Doucoure’s goal threat right now. Gana, Barry, Beto offer nothing going forward. Jake is not a RB who gets up and supplies crosses so why do we play a target man forward? Our team is so imbalanced and blunt for an elite PL team in the biggest sports league in the entire world. It’s a borderline piss take… Barry makes Victor Anichebe look like Pele…. Get Barry off and put N’Diaye up front. This is a fucking Joke!! The lad is beyond shit… Get Beto on for the second half, at least he creates opportunities by his own hard work. Palace have got Eddie Nketiah on the bench ffs… I need to know who specifically is in charge of scouting and signing our players. And he/she needs sacking asap. Not even joking… we call for managers and players heads all the time but this goes deeper. Who is signing forwards like Beto and Barry? Ellis Simms was better than both of them

Andy Mead 15 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:46:56

Can't keep the ball and Barry's first touch is awful. The most basic of skills. Who scouts these players? He is rubbish! If we don't change something here, we will get embarrassed.

Michael Kenrick 16 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:51:33

Kevin @10,

Asked and answered by the utterly useless Barry.

Next question?

Grant Rorrison 17 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:57:39

At least we know why Turdo Barry and his mate Dibling aren't getting more game time.

Ernie Baywood 18 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:57:48

I remember the Blue Room had a correspondent from Villarreal on after we signed Barry and he expressed a bit of surprise at the signing and the fee.

Sadly I think he was on the money. I'm not sure how you find a player in there from what we've seen.

Mind you the other expensive young fella looks petrified too and I've at least seen him play with confidence before.

It's going to take some time to right the wrongs of many years. But the lack of quality on the ball sticks out as soon as we play a decent side.

There was an attack in that half where O'Brien received the ball; played safe to Gana, who goes safe to Keane, who goes safe to Mykolenko. Kind of sums up where we're at. They're all fill in players at this level.

Playing Barry seems just as damaging to his confidence as dragging him so we might as well take him off for the good of this game. If we had an option then I'd do the same to Dibling. He needs to figure out whether even he thinks he can hack it at this level before we find out.

But I suspect we'll see Beto and just hope things change.

Tom Bowers 21 Posted 05/10/2025 at 14:59:59

Moyes is ready for the push although we don't have the squad that can trouble any team at the best of times.

Palace tired from their long European trip so what the hell excuse do Everton have ?

Poor so far but surely has to be better in the second half.

David Wall 22 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:00:16

Control, pass, move!!!! It’s very simple. Palace putting on a masterclass at the basics of football.The only player we have that can do this is Grealish, occasionally Ndiaye.

Alan J Thompson 23 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:01:07

Palace are certainly the better team whereas we look half paced and half arsed.Barry looks woeful albeit he'd had nothing to work with for 30 minutes but he should have put us one up just before they scored. And for that goal where were our central defenders? Tarkowski nowhere to be found, Keane watching his man so Mykolenko had to leave his man to stop Sarr(?) just walking through. If not for Pickford this would have been all over for a game.

Anyone think we'll see some Moyes half time magic or will the players have to yet again tell him it has to change.

Sean Kearns 25 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:03:51

Beto and Charly on…. I hope Moyes seen here that Beto is the lesser of the Evils and has to be our starting forward full time. Barry is fucking WANK… I hope Beto plays every game and stays fit for the love of god. He’s all we have up top.

John Wignall 26 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:05:55

Correct subs come on you blues

Paul Kossoff 27 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:26:05

Barry is 23, he's no youngster. Learning his trade is a bullshit excuse used these days to give a reason a player is not good enough. The fault lies not with the player, who didn't ask to be paid £50,000 a week on a four year contract, and costing £27 million, but the highly paid idiot's who sign them. When we have big defenders in the team you don't need a six ft five striker, especially one who can't head the ball. I called for a 4 3 3 formation with a front three swapping positions to confuse the defence. I hope Beto plays well today and I'll take a draw against a very good Palace side, but I ain't holding my breath. We should be three down, but while it's one nil, we are still in it.

Paul Kossoff 28 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:34:18

Goooaaaal 👮

Grant Rorrison 29 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:40:51

Alcaraz has to start games. Far better option that KDH.

Paul Kossoff 30 Posted 05/10/2025 at 15:50:45

Goooaaaal 👮

Kieran Kinsella 31 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:02:14

How do you get 8 minutes injury time off 90 minutes but then 5 minutes more injury time off 8 minutes???!?!

Paul Kossoff 32 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:03:19

Don't know how we won that one, but we did, crap first half, great second half, the two b,s not the answer, thank fk we won, what with Man City next, we needed that one.👮👮👮

Joe McMahon 33 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:03:40

Alcaraz, changed it. Relief!

Ernie Baywood 34 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:04:01

Don't really know what to say about that.

Let's go with the positives. Alcaraz's effort and intent changed the game... and we've just beaten a very good side.

Other than that, we were dreadful!

Christine Foster 35 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:04:46

Wow, how did that happen? Alcaraz, brilliant, we got at them and what a difference, stopped them playing, brilliant second half display from all.Happy face in the moonlight here, well done blues!

Kevin Molloy 36 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:08:09

it's a black day for whingers and whiners, how to explain away a last minute win against the form team of the league? Let me think 'he was forced into the changes, and got lucky. ' how about that.

Grant Rorrison 37 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:08:13

5 points off the top after an absolute balls up of a summer of recruitment. Doing alright.

Ernie Baywood 38 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:10:11

Kevin, did you watch?

Kevin Molloy 39 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:10:26

Ernie yes.

Alan J Thompson 40 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:13:20

What a difference pace and intent make, the penalty coming about by putting the effort into attacking football. I don't know what happened to Palace as they seemed to drop off but that was probably due to our extra effort of the second half. To be honest I didn't think we had any chance of winning that after such a poor first half.

For those who don't like Beto he did far more than Barry in the first half but Beto did have Alcaraz playing off him and more happening all around him. Dibling it's harder to say as not much came his way.

Will Mr Moyes take heed and we see more attacking effort and possibly that second half line up starting next game or will it be, defend it's City and get a plucky loss.

Ernie Baywood 41 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:14:15

Kevin, then I think you'd realise that there was plenty of justification for whining at that first half display and wanting change.

Lee Courtliff 42 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:15:31

Harsh on Palace but a brilliant end to the game for us. Beto and Alcaraz really made a difference and Jack is clearly our talisman.

Never fall in love with a loan player...too late!

Mike Price 43 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:14

We’ve got to get rid of Barry asap, maybe put out he can’t settle in the area and try to recoup a bit of our outlay. The more he’s played the more his value will plummet.

Dibling is a worry too, the fact he’s 19 gives him a bit of leeway but I thought he had some pace and he doesn’t!

Unbelievable result after a very poor display and a vital 3 points. What a great weekend before the international break!

David Hallwood 44 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:54

Phew! MotM Alcaraz. Totally changed the game, a nice little cameo from Tim. Moyes is going to have to be more Ireola and think first 16 not first 11 and subs when needed

Jake Lucas 45 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:16:57

Grant 37. Can I just tap into your thought process, not here to say anyone is wrong, just interested to see the thought process. What about our summer recruitment is that bad? It was clear we wanted a RB. But there weren’t any available after Tete decided to stay. We have limited funds (PSR) so we needed to be sensible with signings. We could have spent up to £40m on a rb but that would have impacted all other targets. I don’t know, I kind of feel we know there’s an issue but circumstance stopped us. Give it 2 more windows and I think we’ll be buzzing. That’s just my opinion thoughts pal

Ernie Baywood 46 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:17:03

Alan, we also know what we'll see. Beto starts (and will be shit again) and KDH comes back in.

There are a few things on the right path but we're still a way away.

Personally, I'd be playing Alcaraz up front as I said in the pre match thread. He can link up play, puts in the work and he's got a knack of making things happen.

Michael Kenrick 47 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:17:42

I think Palace will be livid that they lost that game and with it their fantastic unbeaten run.

We were hardly ever at the races but somehow, a nice rarely given penalty in our favour, and a great move that looked to have failed with a missed Beto header from 2 yards out...

But there was Jack -- whose shots had been poor at best, and who never looked like scoring -- in the thick of it to swing his boot at the critical moment and smash the ball into the roof of the net to win what had looked to be an unwinnable game.

Nothing short of fantastic!

Mike Oates 48 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:18:42

I live close to Southampton and saw Dibling quite a few times. He needs an early ball preferably on the break with space around him. Then watch him go and create. Not sure at all he going to fit in to our much slower build up play. He gets the ball already tigjhtly marked with no space to use. Pity as lad is a real talent when he’s on fire.

Kevin Molloy 49 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:19:06

The whine on here has been almost constant for the last three weeks. Ernie. No patience, Moyes is an idiot, the signings are all shit, he hasn't got a clue. but then we beat the form team, and they have to pipe down a bit. Until the next defeat...

Tony Hughes 50 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:21:37

Kevin, great result but there's lots of issues to resolved. Moyes will keep us at a level but will never move us forward.

We're desperate for two full backs, a central midfielder and a striker.

Set your bar higher

David Hallwood 51 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:21:48

I remember when Droga first came to the Prem and he was all over the place and Mateta looked like he'd been signed from the Dog & Duck or French equivalent. All I'm saying is give Barry a chance to settle.

It's a pity that discontinued the old central league, its perfect to get new players up to speed, as well as not having to send the Armstrongs of the world on loan

Ashley Krotosky 52 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:22:27

For most of that match you'd have thought it was us that had returned from a hard match in Poland on Thursday night.

Even at the end we had the players going down with cramp.Is there a fitness issue here?Thankfully Palace also started to blow a bit by the end, and with no small amount of fortune, we toughed it out.

Obviously as everyone will say about Palace if you don't take your chances...

(And I think I deserve an assist for taking Grealish out of my fantasy team).

Ron Sear 53 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:28:54

Interesting comment from Jack Grealish on the BBCLink

Steve Brown 54 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:30:43

Moyes deserves credit today for being decisive in his substitutions. When they came on, Beto put himself about a lot more and Alcaraz changed the game.

Moyes did what many fans have asked for playing Ndiaye at No.10, but the balance of the team requires a midfielder there. Alcaraz deserves to keep his place for the next game with KDH slotting in at No.8.

Dibling and Barry are simply not ready to be first team starters. That doesnt mean they won’t become good players for us.

Alan McGuffog 55 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:36:14

I was a real whinger at half time, I admit it. But was proud of that second half. Alcaraz had his best game for us and made their defence sweat. We rode our luck against a very good side. Coyb

Jimmy Carr 56 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:02

Kevin (49) totally agree, the whining on here from the 'fans' is both depressing and laughable. Nothing new though.

Moyes was forced to make changes at half-time today and he came up trumps. Thought Alcaraz was great and Beto made a difference with his physical presence and effort. We rode our luck though. I would like to see Moyes make more proactive and positive substitutions when games are in the balance rather than waiting too long. He has some options as today proved.

Three points however and we've regained some momentum. Always an added bonus when Liverpool lose during the same round of games!

Mike Powell 57 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:08

Pickford or Keane MOTM, although Alcatraz played well when he came on

Dave Lynch 58 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:42:31

That first half was piss poor, much better 2nd half, ref was a wanker with the extras at the end.

Nicolas Piñon 59 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:43:10

Thanks Alcaraz for being argentine.Moyes Finally noting change is the name of the game? Sweet rewards huh.

Jerome Shields 60 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:43:11

Moving the play central with the substitutions released Grealish.

Moyes got it right.Someone got to the chip in Moyes's brain.Barry and Dibling showed alot of promise.Suddenly the path forward looks different.

Shane Pamplin 61 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:53:21

Why complain 3 points in bag, well done boys. COYB

Si Cooper 62 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:54:24

Ron (53), very interesting insights and spot-on analysis.

A great battling performance. Alcaraz showed why it was good we secured his services and should be getting more minutes. I thought Gana was incredible in the latter stages.

Oliver Molloy 63 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:58:06

I have said this before , Barry just doesn't look happy, the only time I have seen him with a smile was when he first signed - I know at times body language can be misleading but Barry's just does not express one of contentment.

He's getting a lot of stick, I would say the bulk of Evertonians are doubting him right now and the expectations of us supporters are weighing heavily on him - same with all strikers that have signed for us - it is probably the most scrutinised position in the team.

I would love him to score, to see his reaction and above all give him a boost.COYB

Nick Jones 64 Posted 05/10/2025 at 16:59:11

Dithering Dave managed to get us win, just I'll take that. NSNO

Phil Roberts 65 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:01:43

Interesting point from Oliver.

Memories of Moise Kean??What is it about young strikers and Everton.?

Robert Tressell 66 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:04:17

Kevin 49 and Jimmy 56, totally agree too. Reading thread after thread recently you'd get the impression Moyes was failing to get a tune out of Real Madrid.

He's made mistakes, of course he has.

But we're a work in progress with all sorts of flaws in the squad and a lot of new players bedding in. The season will be very up and down.

Brilliant to get the win today - with some of the unfashionable players (and the consistently brilliant Pickford) putting in a good contribution.

7th in the table.

Ian Wilkins 67 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:06:03

Beto isn’t great but he has a nuisance presence that Barry has none of.It’s a big 3 points for us today, fortuitous against a better side that tired after a Thursday European game Alcaraz made a difference when came on. Sorry for Keane he was having another good game. Right back is a big worry. First half awful, same predictable pattern. Second half changes gave us fresh momentum. We got the breaks.

Steve Cotton 68 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:06:36

They played triangle passes to perfection and made us chase shadows... get that into our training routine Moysie

Sean Kearns 69 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:08:46

First and foremost, our new stadium. It is everything we could have ever hoped after leaving Goodison. The crowd got the team back into it today and the south stand sucked the ball into the net just as the Gwladdy used to do! The 50,000 toffees in attendance today did us proud 🫡 Alcaraz was brilliant and having been playing football with South American guys for decades I know exactly what kind of passion he plays with. He was chasing all the balls out of play, helping opposing players with cramp and really hurried the game up in our favour, non of this goes unnoticed. Beto was a usual nuisance and must be our main striker. Big team effort and we stood up to adversity. That was a good palace team today, unbeaten in around 20 games. The stadium is making a difference in our favour, I have no doubt.

Sean Kearns 70 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:21:28

Also Jordan was MOTM imo… there’s a love-in with Grealish I get it. But Jordan made a couple of huge saves that are basically goals.

Kieran Kinsella 71 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:23:59

Alcaraz is interesting cause he made a huge impact which has prompted lots of “why didn’t he start?’ Debates. But since the start of pre season he has been awful. Misplaced passes, wayward shooting etc. So there was a good reason he didn’t start. But second half he showed the form we saw from his last season. Hopefully he maintains it. But it’s a good reminder of the difference between a decent player and a great player: consistency. NDyiae and Alcaraz look top class on their day but their day isn’t every week. That’s why we need more depth so hopefully when they’re out of form it coincides with McNeils occasional burst of form and so on.

Christy Ring 72 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:25:43

Grealish said it was the worst first half performance this season, we were rubbish, Palace missed a few sitters, and Mateta looked worse than Barry! The subs made a massive difference in the 2nd half, Alcaraz was immense and has to start in the 10 role after the International break, Beto also put in a good shift, probably should have buried the header, but a big improvement on his previous performances. Delighted with the 3 pts and hopefully Branthwaite and Rohl will be available after the break, but you have to give credit to Moyes for the changes in the 2nd half.

Jeff Armstrong 73 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:29:36

Credit to Moyes, great use of his squad, decisive subs at exactly the right time, although Tim was because of Keane’s injury, right player though, could of brought a RB on but mixed it up in midfield and it worked a treat.I’m often critical of Moyes but today he was very good.

Steve Brown 74 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:34:24

Robert, when Moyes makes a positive impact on a game he gets praise. When his decisions and indecisions lead to defeat, he gets criticism.

That’s the job, as it is for every profession. All this ‘whining’ nonsense that Kevin peddles is just that, nonsense.

The first half was terrible, but I was pleased that Moyes was finally decisive in making substitutions that changed the game. I want more of that version of the manager, if he is capable of it.

Scott Hamilton 75 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:35:12

Sean (69) - Interesting comments about the South Stand.

I was in the North Stand and the atmosphere was good but I did get frustrated on a number of occasions when those around me did the classic ‘mumble and chew finger nails’ rather than giving the players a lift. Old habits die hard I guess?

Kevin Molloy 76 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:40:11

you aren't aware of the whining in the same way that a goldfish is unaware of water Steve.

Sam Hoare 77 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:41:03

A bit of luck (both in Palace’s misses and the fact that that they had a long trip away in midweek which saw them visibly drop intensity in second half) but a good 3 points against the in form team in the division.

Credit to Moyes for the subs. Alcaraz, Beto and Iroegbunam are all high energy players who will feed off games with a little bit of chaos in them which is what happened in the second half when we had little to lose. I’m not sure that means they should necessarily be starting matches but clearly they helped swing the momentum on this occasion.

The first half was worrying and showed a superior tactician at work in my opinion but Moyes is a fighter and his teams will usually keep themselves in the contest which means you always have a chance.

I’m not sure the performances leave me hugely optimistic for the future but 8th after 7 matches is a very decent start.

Colin Glassar 78 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:51:15

I followed the game on the LF, at least till HT. it sounded like we’re awful. So to my joyful surprise, when I checked the final score, we actually turned things around.

I’ll take a win however it is achieved. Well done Everton.

Rob Jones 79 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:52:43

The Masterful Moyes?

You just can't help yourself, can you, Kenrick?

Write the report and save the biased editorial, please.

Jack Convery 80 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:54:16

The Moyesiah got it right at half time and thanks to Pickford it was only one nil. Alcaraz was very good in his natural position - go figure. I was frustrated that Garner was moved to RB, when we have 2 RBs on the bench: What for ? However on this occasion it worked out as Tim got the important penalty, that Ndiaye scored with aplomb. 8th as it stands and momentum to go forward but alas another international break. AArgghhh.

Jake FitzGerald 81 Posted 05/10/2025 at 17:56:05

Delighted and relieved to see Alcaraz coming off the bench and doing what he was doing best last season. We need that South American gritty attitude from him when heads start dropping.Brave starting XI by Moyes, and brave and decisive changes at half-time. Now we don’t have to suffer a fortnight of endless catastrophising about him.

Ian Bennett 82 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:00:03

Tough game. Make no mistake theyre a good resilient team that is hard to beat. Playing them after Europe did us a huge favour.

The referee was dreadful, and we huffed and puffed for large soells, and offered very little. But we hung in and got some luck that we missed vs villa & west ham.

Subs made a difference. Beto, Alcaraz, Iroegbunam all made a difference. There were some around me moaning that Garner went to right back over Patterson.

For me it was 100% the right call. Garner gave us another player into the midfield when he stepped forward. With the close control of Iroegbunam and Alcaraz looking as lively as I've seen him in a while, the tide turned.

A good 3 points at our new stadium. Great atmosphere and celebrations.

Never felt more like singin' the blues. Utft.

Rob Jones 83 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:01:56

Usual refrain applies here, by the way: if we'd lost this, there'd be three times the comments by now, telling us all how shit Moyes is and what a disgrace the players are to the shirt.

Anthony Flack 84 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:05:55

Imagine if we had a striker and a couple of full backs

Good comeback but outclassed in the first half and ponderous moving forward

I thought Gueye got his second wind from about 75 minutes and O’Brien is a good central defender

Dave Abrahams 85 Posted 05/10/2025 at 18:08:11

Never in a million years were we going to win that game was the thought was in the minds, I’d suggest, of most fans in the ground, the team were booed off by plenty at half time and then Moyes made the two moves, that I’d suggest again, were the moves most fans had decided were the ones they’d make, the team stunk the place out, with no energy or movement all over the field— by Everton.

Alcaraz and to a certain extent Beto brought that energy to the team and revitalised the Blues to a certain extent— but Palace should have wrapped the game up with two golden opportunities, then we got a penalty that no referee on the field or in the studio could deny and Ndaiye cool as a cucumber slotted the ball home, this got the crowd really going and another very good move producing the winner, which Beto should have buried before the ball was slammed against Grealish by a Palace defender to fly into the net, the realists in the crowd who whined and moaned in the first half also roared the team on in the second half and celebrated that victory with the same enthusiasm as those who thought that we should have accepted that putrid, pathetic first half performance— a great result and come back doesn’t wipe out that performance but it certainly was very welcome—what happens next in the coming fixtures will be very interesting— will the decent start to season that was altered by Moyes stupid team selection at Wolves be revived by today’s second half improved performance or will Moyes prove he is just an average manager that a lot of us think he is.