David Moyes admitted that Everton were made to work exceptionally hard and rode their luck in the opening stages before securing a 2–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry earned the Blues 3 points on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but the Blues boss was candid regarding the team's early display and the areas where squad reinforcement remains essential.
"At the beginning of the match, Palace looked much more structured and played better than us. It really took a while for us to get into the game. They hit the woodwork twice early on, and Jordan Pickford had to make a crucial save to keep us level.
With a good deal of luck and a massive amount of effort from the lads, we managed to pull through and win it in the end. Getting off to a winning start at home gives us huge confidence going forward."
Moyes singled out several core performers alongside the younger members who stepped into the starting lineup:
Jordan Pickford & Dewsbury-Hall: "Jordan’s save in the first half kept us in the game at a pivotal moment. Kiernan showed his growing influence on this team — his finish was outstanding and gave us control when we needed it most."
Youngsters & Adapting Roles: "We had young players like Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George, and Merlin Röhl stepping up. Merlin played out of position down the right side and showed great discipline. It wasn't always clean, but their work rate was top-class."
Thierno Barry's Development: "Thierno took his header really well off Iliman Ndiaye's cross, but we are still driving him to demand more from himself as he adapts."
Moyes also fielded questions regarding transfer market plans and a unique pre-match call involving Prime Minister Andy Burnham:
Right-Back Hunt: "We definitely would like a right-back before the window closes! Everyone knows the squad is short in a couple of positions, but the players on the pitch showed great character to get the job done today."
VIP Call: "Andy Burnham was down here today, and Peter Reid put him on the phone to me in the office before kickoff to wish us good luck! It’s nice to start the season with a win for everyone who came out to support us."
Reader Comments (4)
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1 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:09:27
Could have been 3 goals down before we scored, should have been 2 down.
We adapted to Palace using the space behind Rohl, Tarkowski and got away with it.
Welcome 3 points and good performance from Armstrong and Hackney before they vanish when we have a fully fit squad.
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:31:38
Yes we rode are lucky in the first half, but we were much the better team in the second half. We are gonna get games like that, all teams need a bit of luck, but on that second half performance we will be just fine, but as we all know a right back is a must along with a striker and holding midfielder, COYB
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:52:25
Overall I was pleased with the all round display & the positive play from our five midfielders. A few of my in laws are huge Palace fans, born & bred... some believe they've changed manager once too many and have sold too many of their influencial players, they'd be disapointed to lose Munoz.
Hackney needs a bit of time to get up to the pace of the Premier League but, for me, a very pleasing display alongside Armstrong who again looked comfortable let's remember that he only 19!
Will we lose some mobility when Norgaard is fit as he tends to sit deep?
The real negative for me yesterday was Tarkowski. We can't ignore the facts of life and laws of nature, with all the will in the world he's now just too slow.
Great 2nd half response which judging by the first 45 mins may have been a disaster.
I thought both Tarks and Brantwaite struggled early on with the movement of their two strikers. Lucky not to concede, it reminded me of the Brighton game last season. The first goal changed the game and the midfield started to get a grip on Wharton who was pulling the strings early on.
I don t think that will be main formation going forward and Moyes will probably play Johnson, Dibling and a couple more against Preston.
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