Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

by James Nalton

EVERTON came out on top in a battle of two teams who had yet to win in the Premier League before their meeting on Saturday afternoon.

Goodison Park has been Everton’s home since 1892, but this team looked lost inside it in the first half.

Crystal Palace deservedly went in ahead at half time after centre-back Marc Guehi had given them a lead after 10 minutes.

Winger Jesper Lindstrom was the player sacrificed by Everton boss Sean Dyche at half time, but it would not have been a surprise to see any player in blue — bar the ever-impressive Iliman Ndiaye and the returning Jarrad Branthwaite — yanked after that first 45.

Jack Harrison replaced Lindstrom and Everton emerged looking like a different team.

But it was the goals of Dwight McNeil, both well-taken in their own way, that made the difference between crisis and celebration for Everton come the end of the game.

The first was arrowed into the far corner from outside the area and the second, from close range, was volleyed home after Palace’s Eddie Nketiah got a slight touch on a cross from Everton’s Jack Harrison.

The touch from Harrison to create space for his cross was equally impressive, though Everton’s turnaround wasn’t just because of a half-time substitution.

Branthwaite’s presence in defence helped the Toffees greatly. There was one moment where he expertly marshalled forward Ismaila Sarr off the ball as Palace tried to break late in the game. 

It brought the kind of reassurance that had been missing when Everton had been leading at other points this season.

“We had a bad 15 minutes after kick-off in the second half and we lost the game in those minutes,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

“At the end of the first half, the crowd were booing, not pleased with the performance of the home team, but we gave them the momentum back with a goal.”

One win can make a big difference and Everton’s first of the season moves them up to 15th place.

The squad also managed to hang on to a lead, something they have had trouble doing in games this season.

“I thought we managed the game well which, obviously has come into question this season,” said Dyche.

“I’m very pleased with the mentality shown to see the game through.”