As the half-time whistle blew at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, this column had a very different outlook on Everton.
It was a half of football where I couldn’t quite see how Everton would ever score, and very much like the Brighton game, it felt like the opposition had spurned clear-cut chances to be out of sight in the first half.
As I left the Trinity Lounge to retake my seat for the second half, I passed a neon sign which said ‘Welcome to Everton Football Club’ and if ever there was a representation of what this football club does to you, that was it.
All of the frustration, concern and feeling of doom, dissipated like the last sticky icing bits in the blue donut box.
David Moyes’ half-time introduction of Beto and Carlos Alcaraz key to Everton turnaround
Beto and Carlos Alcaraz’s introduction at the break was not only needed, but welcomed roundly by the fans. Credit has to go to David Moyes for seeing what was needed and, more to the point, acting upon it.
Of course he’s the manager and that’s his job, but it wasn’t that long ago where we would have to wait till the 70th minute of the game before we saw changes. It was clear to see that youngsters Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibbling were not working.
I am mindful to point out the word ‘youngsters’ here, because that’s what they are. They’re inexperienced, young and both need time to grow into the side, the problem is the transfer fees paid for both have fans wanting more and expecting better, but that’s not the players’ fault. Whether they do grow remains to be seen and, like it or not, Everton can’t really afford to pay big money for potential, but that’s where we are right now.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The replacements brought much needed energy to the team. Beto can be frustrating, of that there is no doubt, but his endeavour, determination and hunger reaped their rewards for Everton. It was his header that was pushed into the path of Jack Grealish for the winner.
Everton v Mansfield Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Within minutes of Alcaraz being on the pitch there was a change of emphasis too. He changed the approach of the midfield, which had up until then really struggled to have any control as Palace, despite a midweek European trip to Poland, looked much more comfortable.
Of course, that’s what substitutes are for, to change games, but the transformation was palpable, the crowd responded and you could see the Crystal Palace energy ebbing away by the minute.
Everton fan expectations continue to grow at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton Football Club can take you from despair to joy like a test drive in a new Mercedes can take you from 0 to 60 in 10 seconds, your whole mindset can be turned even when you would bet against it with certainty.
Listening to David Moyes’ post match comments, I was particularly taken by his words: “we need to be careful not to expect too much too soon.”
"Mixed emotions about the performance, but I'm thrilled we got a big victory. I've been waiting on a late goal here – thankfully we got one today!"
David Moyes' #EVECRY verdict is in. 🔵
— Everton (@Everton) October 5, 2025
View Tweet
The problem is, Evertonians are expectant, they don’t really care about logic, they just want the best for the club. However, the manager is right, the club is going through an awakening and not all the pieces will fit all of the time.
The early substitutes decision, the fight from Beto and Alcaraz and the magic and tireless enthusiasm of Grealish have shown that there is at least an eagerness to do the right things now – that’s not always been evident in the last three or four years.
This result was crucial ahead of both an international break and two difficult games to come, anything but a victory against Crystal Palace and it would’ve been all doom and gloom heading into another international break.
Jack Grealish deserved England call-up
The final word must go to the wonderful Jack Grealish, who once again put in a performance which reflected his nature – always trying, never giving up, and always looking for that one opportunity.
It was interesting to see Everton’s admin team change the bio of the club’s X account to include ‘Grealish for England’.
It was a show of support for a player who has been inspirational for all at the club since his arrival on loan from Manchester City, and it will no doubt spark the debate about his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
My take is that it’s not necessarily the fact he hasn’t been included, yes his early season form has been excellent, but there is an argument to say the England manager would want to see a bit more of that before bringing him back. That is until you see some of the players selected.
Grealish is a better player than a number of Tuchel’s midfield and attacking choices, and I am of the opinion that you should always pick your best players. Adam Wharton and Jude Bellingham can be disappointed in regards to that too.
However, Jack needs to keep doing what he’s doing, he’s assisting and now scoring goals and the longer he does that, the less the England manager can ignore him.