Everton win a game they did not control
Four big chances created, four big chances missed. That was Crystal Palace’s night in a nutshell at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton won 2-0 without having the ball for long, on Saturday, in their Premier League opener.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put them ahead in the 42nd minute, set up by Harrison Armstrong. Thierno Barry added the second in the 53rd minute from an Iliman Ndiaye pass. Two goals from five shots on target: the Toffees were ruthless when it mattered.
Palace still bossed the contest. The London side had 58% of the ball and completed 494 passes, compared with 338 for their opponents. The xG count even favoured them, 2.04 to 1.16. Over a full season, numbers like that usually do not end well for the side that takes the points.
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Palace paid for poor finishing and one big absence
Crystal Palace finished the match much as they had played it. In the 90th+6 minute, Yeremy Pino dragged a right-footed effort wide after being picked out by Tyrick Mitchell. Eight minutes of added time were shown. None of them changed a thing.
The London attack was also weakened. Ismaila Sarr did not travel, with Foot Mercato reporting an ongoing contract stand-off with Galatasaray. Taking your most decisive winger out of the line-up on opening day is never ideal.
Referee Tierney handed out just one yellow card, and it went to Palace. The game never really boiled over. It was decided by the one thing that matters: the scoreline.
Two very different fixtures ahead
Everton are back in action on Wednesday 26 August away to Preston North End at 20:00 in the Carabao Cup. On paper, it is a kind enough trip and a chance to rest a few regulars without killing the momentum from this home win.
Palace’s schedule looks far less forgiving. The Eagles host Manchester City on Friday 28 August at 20:00. Missing four big chances against Everton is a frustration. Missing that many against City could cost them dearly.
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