Everton opened the new Premier League season with a convincing 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The victory gave David Moyes’ side their first opening-day win in five years. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored before Thierno Barry added a second after the break.
Everton also showed strong game management after taking control of the match. However, Crystal Palace created several chances and finished with an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.04 without finding the net.
Moyes praises Everton’s game management
David Moyes admitted that Everton faced difficult spells during the match.
Palace threatened at different stages, particularly before Everton settled after taking the lead. Jordan Pickford made an important save from Eddie Nketiah to keep the score level.
“We could easily have been a couple of goals down,” Moyes told Sky Sports.
The Everton manager felt Dewsbury-Hall’s opener changed the game. His side became more comfortable after moving ahead and managed the match more effectively.
“Once we got the first goal, it settled us,” Moyes said.
Everton then protected their advantage and limited Palace’s attacking threat. Barry’s second goal after the interval gave the Toffees greater breathing room.
“We managed the game well after that and contained Palace really well,” Moyes added.
The result therefore highlighted an important strength for Moyes. Everton showed that they can stay composed during difficult periods and make the most of key moments.
Eagles too slow, says Sage
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage admitted his team struggled to play with enough speed.
The Eagles enjoyed some promising moments before half-time but could not maintain the same level after the break.
“When we had the ball, we don’t play with speed,” Sage said.
He believes Palace need to make quicker decisions and move the ball more effectively in future matches.
Sage also acknowledged that Palace did not deserve to win. However, he felt the first half showed that his team could compete with Everton.
The defeat will therefore give Palace several areas to address before their next Premier League fixture.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Everton news: James Tarkowski replaces departed Séamus Coleman as Toffees club captain
