Everton opened their Premier League campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson.
Here are our player ratings from an encouraging afternoon for David Moyes’ side.
Everton starting XI
Jordan Pickford — 8
Everton could have been behind before they settled into the game. Pickford saved well from Daniel Muñoz and then pushed Eddie Nketiah’s effort against the post. Far less busy after the interval but remained alert when Palace made their changes.
A huge clean sheet.
Merlin Röhl — 7
Asked to start at right-back despite being more comfortable in midfield. Palace tested his side early, but Röhl adjusted and gave Everton a useful outlet when they had possession.
A disciplined performance in an unfamiliar position.
James Tarkowski — 7
Palace’s early movement caused a few problems, but the Everton captain grew into the contest. Strong in the air and increasingly dominant as the afternoon went on.
Helped ensure the closing stages passed off without any serious alarm.
Jarrad Branthwaite — 8
Back at the heart of Everton’s defence and quickly reminded everyone of his value. Blocked Dwight McNeil’s early shot and used his pace well whenever Palace threatened in behind.
Calm, powerful and rarely flustered.
Vitalii Mykolenko — 7
Generally secure against Muñoz and provided more support going forward as Everton gained control. His second-half cross led to the unfortunate injury suffered by Chadi Riad.
Did his defensive work without fuss.
Hayden Hackney — 7
A solid Premier League debut. Palace had the better of the early exchanges, but Hackney did not hide and became more influential once Everton started winning the midfield battle.
Used the ball sensibly and showed enough to suggest he belongs at this level.
Harrison Armstrong — 8
A confident performance from the 19-year-old in a crowded area of the pitch. Pressed aggressively, competed with Wharton and Kamada and supplied the pass for Dewsbury-Hall’s opener.
Looked entirely comfortable.
Tyrique George — 7
Direct and willing to shoot whenever the chance was there. Neither of his first-half attempts seriously tested Dean Henderson, but his running gave Palace something to think about and helped Everton push higher up the pitch.
Replaced by Brennan Johnson late on.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall — 9
Everton’s best player. Carried the ball with purpose, found pockets of space and gave Palace’s midfield a problem they never properly solved. His finish into the far corner was excellent and arrived at the moment Everton needed it.
Began the season looking fit, sharp and decisive.
Iliman Ndiaye — 8
Everton’s most reliable source of invention. Forced Henderson into saves and created the second goal with a well-judged delivery from the left. Palace struggled to contain him once he drifted into central areas.
Another impressive afternoon. Unaffected by all the noise.
Thierno Barry — 8
Led the line with more authority than he managed for most of last season. Worked across Palace’s three centre-backs and got in front of Chris Richards to meet Ndiaye’s cross for the second goal.
The type of finish Moyes will want to see regularly from him.
Everton substitutes
James Garner — 6
Replaced Hackney with 11 minutes remaining and helped Everton see the game out. His return from groin surgery was another positive development.
Beto — 6
Took over from Barry and gave Palace’s tiring defence physical problems during the closing stages. No clear chance to add a third.
Brennan Johnson — 6
Given his Everton debut against the club he left during the summer. Had little time to influence the game but received a warm welcome from the home support.
ReadEverton player of the match: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
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