Jack Grealish scored a dramatic, added-time winner as Everton came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, ending Palace's impressive 19-game unbeaten run. The victory, secured in front of the home crowd, marked Everton's first win in five matches.
Crystal Palace dominated the first half, with Jordan Pickford, making his 300th Premier League appearance for Everton, forced into several saves. Palace's sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 37th minute when Daniel Muñoz slotted home, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Everton struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, and manager David Moyes made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Beto and Carlos Alcaraz in an attempt to inject some life into his team. Despite the changes, Palace continued to threaten, with Jean-Philippe Mateta having a shot cleared off the line.
The turning point came in the 76th minute when Everton was awarded a penalty after Maxence Lacroix fouled Tim Iroegbunam. Iliman Ndiaye confidently converted the penalty, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way to level the score.
With the game heading towards a draw, Everton found a late winner in the 93rd minute. Alcaraz released Ndiaye on the right, and his cross found Beto, whose header was saved by Henderson. However, Grealish was on hand to block Muñoz's attempted clearance, and the ball ricocheted into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Everton supporters.
The goal was Grealish's first for Everton and secured a vital three points for the Toffees. The result moved Everton up to seventh in the Premier League table, while Crystal Palace remained in fifth position.
Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace manager, was visibly frustrated as his team's long unbeaten run came to an end. Palace had several chances to extend their lead, but Mateta's finishing proved costly.
For Everton, the win marked a significant step forward as they continue to adapt to their new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Jordan Pickford's outstanding performance in goal and Jack Grealish's late heroics were key to the victory.
