Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to make winning Premier League start

Everton made a winning start to the new Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring shortly before half-time after Everton won possession high up the pitch, cutting inside before finishing into the far corner.

David Moyes’ side then doubled their advantage after the interval. A quickly taken free-kick released Iliman Ndiaye, whose delivery was converted by Thierno Barry to put Everton firmly in control.

Crystal Palace had created several promising opportunities before falling behind and came close to taking the lead during a competitive first half, but their finishing repeatedly let them down.

Jordan Pickford also produced an important save to preserve Everton’s advantage as Palace attempted to find a route back into the contest.

The hosts showed greater efficiency in both penalty areas and managed the closing stages effectively to secure their first opening-weekend Premier League victory in five years.

Moyes also handed significant responsibility to a youthful midfield, with Harrison Armstrong starting alongside summer signing Hayden Hackney and playing an important role in Everton’s first goal.

For Palace, the defeat represents a disappointing league debut for new head coach Pierre Sage, whose side produced encouraging attacking moments but were punished for failing to convert them.

Everton, meanwhile, begin the campaign with three points and a clean sheet as they look to improve on last season and push closer to the European places.