Everton began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry securing the points. The win carried added significance as Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter, attended his first Premier League game since taking office.

Match report

Dewsbury-Hall broke the deadlock late in the first half with a left-footed drive across Dean Henderson, after Palace had created the better chances. Jean-Philippe Mateta flicked over from close range and hit the post, while Eddie Nketiah was denied by a Jordan Pickford save that David Moyes described as a "worldie." Barry doubled the lead early in the second half, heading in Iliman Ndiaye's cross.

Moyes acknowledged the team's good fortune in the opening period. "There were bits of the first half we were good, but missed the chances on transition to score," he said. "We could have easily been a couple of goals down. The goalkeeper made a worldie save. It could have gone the other way. Once we got the first goal it settled us, and the second one made things feel a lot easier."

Palace manager Pierre Sage was without Ismaila Sarr amid reports the winger had refused to train to push through a move, as reported by The Independent.

Barry's breakthrough

Barry's goal was his first of the season and a contrast to his slow start last year, when he took until December to score his first Everton goal after joining from Villarreal for £27 million. The 23-year-old endured a 14-game drought before finishing with eight goals in 38 league appearances, according to the BBC. Moyes praised the striker's header and the quality of Ndiaye's cross, saying, "Thierno getting in the right spot was huge and scoring with a header was really big for us."

Liverpool Echo analysis noted Barry's first-half miss but credited his focus, comparing his development to his time at Basel and describing his goal as that of "a classic Everton centre-forward."

Young players impress

Moyes selected 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong and 20-year-old Tyrique George, with James Garner only fit for the bench after surgery. Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, praised Armstrong and new signing Hayden Hackney for giving Everton "a really good base," while Wayne Rooney said he liked the club's summer signings and noted the team's younger profile. Everton have signed five players this summer: Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George, Hayden Hackney, Christian Norgaard, and Brennan Johnson, with Norgaard missing the match through injury and Johnson appearing late off the bench. Dewsbury-Hall said it would be hard to drop Armstrong on current form, and Moyes praised the young quartet of Armstrong, Hackney, George, and Rohl.

Prime Minister in attendance

Burnham, a season ticket holder, watched from the directors' box rather than his usual seat. Moyes revealed he spoke to the Prime Minister before the match, with Andy Gray and Peter Reid facilitating the message of luck. "I spoke to the prime minister," Moyes said. "Andy Gray was in my office, and Peter Reid rang and put Burnham on the call." The victory provided a morale boost after last season's final seven games without a win cost Everton a place in European competition.

Transfer concerns

Despite the win, Moyes stressed the need to sign a right-back before the transfer window closes. He pointed to Nathan Patterson, Merlin Rohl, James Garner, and Jake O'Brien as options but said he preferred not to rely on players out of position. Rohl, who filled in at right-back against Palace, was praised by Moyes for his athleticism and willingness, but the manager was clear: "We definitely would like a right-back." The club's chief executive, Angus Kinnear, also said the position needs addressing, and analysis from the Liverpool Echo suggested further signings, including a striker, may be needed.

Palace's Daniel Munoz, reportedly an Everton target, struggled against Tyrique George and gave the ball away for the first goal, as noted by The Independent.

Ndiaye's future

Iliman Ndiaye, who provided the cross for Barry's goal, remains the subject of transfer speculation after turning down several contract offers and expressing a desire to play Champions League football. Everton insist he is not for sale. Dewsbury-Hall said he loves playing alongside Ndiaye and hopes the club keeps its best players. Ndiaye's father insisted in late July that "he's not going anywhere," and Idrissa Gueye replied "Here to stay" to photos of the winger returning to training. Moyes said Ndiaye has no price and has not been leaving, as far as he is concerned.

Looking ahead

Everton travel to Preston North End in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday. Moyes, who is in the final year of his contract with no renewal talks planned, said the team will aim for Europe, but acknowledged the need for smart signings. The win over Palace was Everton's first opening-day victory since 2021.