Everton Secures 2-0 Win Over Crystal Palace in Prime Minister's Game Return
Thierno Barry played a pivotal role in Everton’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, easing some pressure off manager David Moyes. Barry, who struggled to score last season, found the net early this time, marking a promising start for the 23-year-old. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring late in the first half, celebrating Andy Burnham’s first game back as Prime Minister with a much-needed win. The team, coming off a poor run of seven winless games last season, aims to regain its footing in the league. Despite some fresh faces like Hayden Hackney, who made his debut, and Merlin Rohl at right-back, the starting lineup was largely unchanged. Jean-Philippe Mateta of Palace missed crucial chances, including a close-range shot that hit the post, while Eddie Nketiah also failed to convert opportunities. The turning point came when Dewsbury-Hall lashed a left-footed shot past Dean Henderson, shifting the match's momentum in Everton's favor. Barry followed suit with a downward header from a quick free-kick taken by Iliman Ndiaye, showcasing Everton's urgency. Palace, under manager Pierre Sage, faced challenges, including the absence of Ismaila Sarr, who reportedly refused to train amid transfer speculation. Despite their recent trophy success, Palace struggled with finishing and could have easily matched Everton's score. Everton's victory was not without its challenges, as VAR ruled out a potential penalty for offside, but the result reinforced their ambitions for the season ahead.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-08-22