David Moyes barking out instructions
David Moyes barking out instructions
However, there was far less attacking quality on show at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Thierno Barry had a first-half goal ruled out for a borderline offside, but David Moyes' men otherwise failed to find a way through.
Arguably the biggest story to come out of the game was an injury announcement made ahead of kickoff.
Goodison News recaps the big talking points from what was a low-key affair in the North-West.
This comes after the midfielder underwent surgery on a groin issue, with his return to training pencilled in for around the start of the season.
Couple that with Idrissa Gueye officially exiting Hill Dickinson Stadium this week and you have two central midfield starters missing.
As Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas put it on X, it is a "nightmare scenario" for Everton.
But Armstrong was arguably the best player on the field prior to going off at half-time, showing what he is capable of if selected by Moyes.
Age is just a number, as they say, and the 19-year-old was comfortable on the ball and was not afraid to get stuck in off it.
Should no new signings be made over the next month, Armstrong could well get the nod against Crystal Palace.
Some things just never change
Thierno Barry looked lively during his hour or so on the field, albeit he did not score.
The forward converted well in the first half from close range, showing good movement, but was flagged for offside.
It was hard to tell, but he did appear to be marginally onside.
Still, Barry's all-round play - against League One opposition, granted - did look a lot better than last season.
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Barry was replaced by Beto in a substitute Everton fans have seen countless times over and will continue to see this season. Some things just never change.
Travers kept a clean sheet in his 45 minutes on the field, as did half-time replacement Tom King.
Given Travers has been linked with an Everton exit, it may well be that King starts the season as Pickford's back-up.
He made one fine save in particular soon after coming on to suggest he could be an able deputy on the rare occasions he is needed.
Still, the sooner Pickford is back in the side, the better as Moyes' men ramp up preparations for the new season with a clash against Stoke City in midweek.