Everton had waited five years to win their opening Premier League match before beating Crystal Palace in 2026–27.
Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2–0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 22 August 2026, giving the club its first opening-match victory in five years. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry scored either side of half-time in Everton’s first victory in eight top-flight matches.
The result also represented an important start at Everton’s new stadium era. Hill Dickinson Stadium hosted the match, with the venue listed as Everton’s home ground for the 2026–27 campaign. Everton controlled the scoreline while 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong was singled out for an impressive performance.
Crystal Palace began the season under new manager Pierre Sage. Their afternoon was further disrupted when defender Chadi Riad was carried off on a stretcher after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Everton’s win therefore combined a long-awaited opening-day success with a clean sheet.