Everton ended a five-year wait for an opening-match win by beating Crystal Palace in 2026–27.
Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2–0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored before half-time, and Thierno Barry added a second after the interval. The clean sheet completed Everton’s first winning start to a Premier League season in five years.
The match was Everton’s first Premier League fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium, their new home. The ground replaced Goodison Park, which had been Everton’s home for more than a century. That made the result significant beyond the three points: it combined a new stadium era with a long-awaited opening-day victory.
Crystal Palace began the season under new manager Pierre Sage. The Eagles were unable to score, while Everton’s two goals settled the contest. The result should not be confused with Chelsea’s 3–2 win at Fulham on Monday, which was another away victory involving a London club.