Everton vs Crystal Palace Match Report: Grealish’s Late Goal Seals Dramatic Comeback
Everton produced a thrilling comeback to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending the visitors’ 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Jack Grealish scored his first goal for the Toffees in stoppage time, completing an impressive turnaround after Daniel Muñoz had given Palace the lead.
The victory moved Everton up to eighth in the Premier League table, just one point behind Palace, as Jordan Pickford celebrated his 300th Premier League appearance with a match-winning performance between the posts.
First Half: Palace Dominate and Take the Lead
Crystal Palace arrived in Merseyside full of confidence after a strong run of results. They quickly took control of the game, creating several early chances. Yeremy Pino and Marc Guehi both tested Pickford, while Tyrick Mitchell hit the crossbar with a powerful strike.
Palace’s pressure finally paid off in the 37th minute. Ismaila Sarr played a clever pass into the path of Daniel Muñoz, who calmly finished past Pickford to give the visitors a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Jean-Philippe Mateta had opportunities to extend Palace’s advantage but couldn’t find the target, and Everton were fortunate to reach halftime only a goal down.
Second Half: Moyes’ Changes Spark Revival
Everton manager David Moyes reacted quickly at halftime, replacing Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry with Charly Alcaraz and Beto. The changes gave Everton new energy and attacking intent.
Beto’s physical presence troubled the Palace defense, while Alcaraz brought control and creativity to midfield. The turning point came in the 76th minute when Maxence Lacroix brought down Tim Iroegbunam inside the box. Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot, and Iliman Ndiaye stepped up to convert calmly, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way.
With the home crowd behind them, Everton pushed for a winner and they got it deep into stoppage time. Henderson made an excellent save from Beto’s header, but when Muñoz tried to clear the rebound, his effort deflected off Jack Grealish and into the net.

It was a scrappy but vital goal, Grealish’s first for Everton and it sent the Hill Dickinson Stadium into celebration.
Pickford’s Heroics Secure the Points
As Palace pressed for a late equaliser, Jordan Pickford made two crucial saves in the dying moments, including a brilliant stop to deny Justin Devenny. His performance capped off a memorable milestone as he reached 300 Premier League appearances for the club.
Everton’s defense, marshalled by Jake O’Brien and Nathan Patterson, held firm to secure all three points and preserve their unbeaten home record this season.
Palace Left to Regret Missed Chances
Crystal Palace started the game in total control and should have put the result beyond doubt before Everton’s comeback. Jean-Philippe Mateta, in particular, was guilty of missing several big chances, including one effort cleared off the line by O’Brien.
Adam Wharton again impressed in midfield, linking well with Daichi Kamada and Pino, but Palace’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly.
The late mistakes, Lacroix’s foul for the penalty and the defensive mix-up that led to Grealish’s winner, brought an end to their unbeaten streak stretching back to April. Manager Oliver Glasner will now look to regroup his side as they prepare to face Bournemouth after the international break.
Key Performers
- Jordan Pickford (Everton): Outstanding throughout, made multiple crucial saves and kept Everton in the game.
- Jack Grealish (Everton): Scored his first Everton goal in dramatic fashion, showing his growing influence in Moyes’ system.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): Calm under pressure to convert his penalty and later set up the winning chance.
- Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace): Palace’s standout performer, scored the opening goal and was involved at both ends.
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): Controlled the midfield and dictated play but couldn’t prevent the late collapse.
What the Result Means
The result lifts Everton to eighth place in the Premier League standings, extending their unbeaten home run. David Moyes will be delighted with his team’s resilience after a difficult first half and a recent four-match winless streak.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season and will look to bounce back after the international break. Their European success earlier in the week and strong league form suggest this setback is only temporary.
Everton’s comeback victory over Crystal Palace was a statement of determination and belief. Pickford’s saves, Ndiaye’s composure, and Grealish’s late heroics combined to deliver a memorable night at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
For Palace, the end of their unbeaten run came as a painful reminder that missed chances and lapses in concentration can undo even the best form. Both sides, however, showed quality and intensity in a contest that highlighted the competitive nature of this Premier League season.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score between Everton and Crystal Palace?
A. Everton won 2-1, coming from behind to secure victory.
Q2. Who scored the goals for Everton?
A. Iliman Ndiaye scored from the penalty spot, and Jack Grealish netted the winner in stoppage time.
Q3. Who scored for Crystal Palace?
A. Daniel Muñoz scored the opening goal for Palace in the first half.
Q4. Who was the standout player of the match?
A. Jordan Pickford, who made several key saves and celebrated his 300th Premier League appearance.
Q5. What’s next for both teams?
A. Everton travel to Manchester City after the international break, while Crystal Palace face AFC Bournemouth.
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