Match Overview

In one of the most thrilling matches of the Premier League season, Everton stunned Crystal Palace with a 2–1 victory at Goodison Park, ending the Eagles’ incredible 18-game unbeaten run that stretched back to the start of last season.

Daniel Muñoz had given Palace the lead in the first half, and for much of the game, they looked in control. However, a second-half penalty converted by Iliman Ndiaye pulled Everton level before Jack Grealish — on loan from Manchester City — produced a moment of magic in stoppage time to win it.

The result propels Everton to 8th place in the Premier League table, while Crystal Palace, previously the only unbeaten side in the league, drop to 6th.

First Half: Palace Dominate and Muñoz Strikes

Crystal Palace entered the game with confidence, sitting near the top of the table and boasting one of the league’s best defensive records. Everton, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back from inconsistent form.

The visitors quickly asserted control, with Guehi and Mateta linking up dangerously in attack. Their slick passing and movement forced Everton onto the back foot early.

Daniel Muñoz Opens the Scoring (27′)

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Daniel Muñoz, Palace’s Colombian fullback, surged forward on the overlap. A sharp one-two with Jean-Philippe Mateta sliced through Everton’s defense, and Muñoz calmly slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford to make it 1–0.

Palace continued to dominate possession, dictating play through Cheick Doucouré and Eze, while Everton struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half. Grealish and Dwight McNeil looked lively on the flanks but found little support from midfield.

At halftime, Palace led deservedly, and their unbeaten streak looked set to continue.

Second Half: Everton Fight Back

Everton emerged from the break with renewed energy and determination. Manager Sean Dyche made tactical adjustments, pushing Grealish into a more central attacking role and encouraging the fullbacks to advance higher.

The shift paid off as Everton began to press Palace deeper into their own half.

Ndiaye Converts from the Spot (67′)

In the 67th minute, Everton were awarded a penalty after McNeil was brought down in the box by Marc Guéhi. Iliman Ndiaye, calm under pressure, stepped up and buried the spot-kick into the bottom corner to make it 1–1.

The equalizer lifted the home crowd and set up a frantic final 20 minutes. Both sides traded attacks — Eze came close for Palace with a curling effort that struck the crossbar, while Grealish forced Dean Henderson into a superb save from distance.

Late Drama: Grealish Wins It at the Death (90+3′)

Just when it seemed both teams would settle for a point, Jack Grealish produced a moment of pure class.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Abdoulaye Doucouré won possession in midfield and released Grealish down the left. The England international cut inside onto his right foot and curled a stunning shot into the far corner beyond Henderson — sealing a 2–1 win for Everton and ending Palace’s unbeaten run in dramatic fashion.

Goodison Park erupted as Grealish sprinted to the corner flag, mobbed by teammates and fans alike. It was a fitting end to a thrilling contest and a statement result for Dyche’s side.

Tactical Breakdown

Everton’s Grit and Tactical Adaptation

Sean Dyche’s men showed remarkable resilience and tactical flexibility.

• The first-half setup struggled against Palace’s control, but after halftime, Dyche pushed Grealish centrally and allowed McNeil and Ndiaye to attack wider spaces.
  
• Idrissa Gana Gueye and Doucouré anchored midfield effectively, pressing Palace into mistakes late in the game.
  
• Everton’s pressing in the final third created turnovers that led to both their penalty and late winner.
  

Palace’s Missed Opportunities

For Palace, it was a night of frustration. They controlled the tempo for much of the game but lacked killer instinct in front of goal.

• Sarr and Guehi were bright but couldn’t find the final pass.
  
• Defensively, they looked composed until lapses in the final minutes.
  
• Manager Oliver Glasner will rue his side’s inability to close out what could have been their 19th unbeaten match.
  

League Table Impact

• Everton: Move up to 8th place, continuing their steady rise under Dyche. The club looks more confident and structured, with Grealish’s influence proving vital.
  
• Crystal Palace: Drop to 6th place, their unbeaten streak ending at 18 matches — a record run that spanned across two seasons.
  

Conclusion: Grealish Inspires Everton’s Revival

Everton’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace was more than just three points — it was a statement of intent. Against one of the league’s most in-form teams, the Toffees showed heart, tactical intelligence, and resilience.

Jack Grealish, once again the standout performer, not only scored the decisive goal but demonstrated why he’s becoming Everton’s most influential player this season. His late strike ended Palace’s remarkable unbeaten run and reminded the Premier League that Everton are a side reborn.

For Palace, the loss will sting — not just because of the streak, but because they were minutes away from maintaining it. Still, their overall form remains impressive, and they remain strong contenders for a European spot.

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