Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2–0 for their first opening Premier League win in five years.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2–0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 22 August 2026. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the opening goal and Thierno Barry added the second after half-time, giving Everton three points in their first match of the campaign.
The victory ended Everton’s five-year wait for an opening-match win. It was also their first victory in eight top-flight matches, making the result significant beyond the opening weekend itself.
The fixture marked a difficult competitive debut for Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage. Palace defender Chadi Riad was carried off with an apparent knee injury, adding a worrying note to the visitors’ afternoon.