Dwight McNeil’s early second-half brace put Everton into the win column for the first time this Premier League season, keeping Crystal Palace winless in a 2-1 affair at Goodison Park on Saturday.
A hopeful crowd buzzing with a takeover nearing Merseyside was set back early when Marc Guehi put the visitors in front.
But a Palace side that kept Manchester United scoreless last week could not silence McNeil, who bagged goals seven minutes apart after halftime.
Everton had blown 2-0 leads in 3-2 losses to Bournemouth and Aston Villa before drawing after scoring first at Leicester City in Week 5, but pushed for a third goal without conceding an equalizer — a moral victory amongst a league one.
Branthwaite-Tarkowski duo takes little time to shine
The long-awaited return of English center back Jarrad Branthwaite wasn’t an instant clean sheet scenario for Everton, but it was the closest thing to it considering Palace’s goal came with both Branthwaite and CB partner James Tarkowski occupying other marks. Branthwaite looked sensational at the back despite having to contend with the pace of Eddie Nketiah on his side as well as the power of Jean-Philippe Mateta. Tarkowski shone, too, even with Mateta’s physical challenge multiplied by keeping an eye on Eberechi Eze. Jordan Pickford only needed to make three saves as the Tarkowski-Branthwaite duo played behind a monstrous, 15-duel winning defensive midfield combination of Orel Mangala and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Sean Dyche will have loved this.
Everton vs Crystal Palace player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Everton vs Crystal Palace player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Everton vs Crystal Palace player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Palace host Liverpool at 7:30am ET Saturday, while Everton host Newcastle five hours later.
How to watch Everton vs Crystal Palace live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Goodison Park
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
Everton vs Crystal Palace live updates — By Nick Mendola
Everton vs Crystal Palace final score: 2-1
Marc Guehi 10', Dwight McNeil 47', 54'
Everton goal! Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace (54th minute)
McNeil again, off a Harrison feed.
Dwight McNeil goal! Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace (47th minute)
Ashley Young slips the ball onto the path of Dwight McNeil.
Dyche’s longtime Burnley charge takes a touch, and uses little back left to swirl a ball over Dean Henderson and into the upper 90.
Sensational stuff just after halftime.
Toffees make sub at the break
Jack Harrison replaces Jesper Lindstrom and will hope to help Everton to level terms.
Halftime — Everton 0-1 Palace
The lead is deserved but the game’s still in play for Sean Dyche’s Toffees.
Palace have had more of the ball and ripped off more attempts, but Everton produced a bit more danger and could easily be level.
Palace in front! Everton 0-1 Palace (10th minute)
Center backs unite!
It’s Maxence Lacroix setting up Marc Guehi for a goal. Boy does the former — a summer transfer from Wolfsburg — fit the part of a replacement for Joachim Andersen.
The Eagles lead at an bothered Goodison Park.
Everton lineup
Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Mangala, Doucoure, Lindstrom, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin
Crystal Palace lineup
Henderson, Munoz, Lacroix, Guehi, Lerma, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Eze, Nketiah, Mateta
Everton focus, team news
The Toffees have conceded 14 times through five Premier League matches, and that can’t all be excused because Jarrad Branthwaite has yet to return to his spot alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of the Everton back line. Jordan Pickford has faced the most post-shot expected goals (60) in the Premier League.
OUT: Armando Broja (calf), Youssef Chermiti (ankle), Dele Alli (groin), Seamus Coleman (calf), | QUESTIONABLE: Nathan Patterson (thigh), Jarrad Branthwaite (groin), Vitaliy Mykolenko (illness), Idrissa Gana Gueye (undisclosed)
Crystal Palace focus, team news
Dean Henderson was excellent against Manchester United, and Maxence Lacroix has impressed in making the transition from star Bundesliga center back to taking the place of Palace hero Joachim Andersen. The Eagles could have a decent set-up at the back soon Chris Richards continues to improve and Marc Guehi breaks out of an early season slump. Otherwise, it’s a wait for health and form for Chadi Riad and Chelsea loanee Trevoh Chalobah. Either way, there’s attack to spare with Eberechi Eze leading the way for the Eagles.
OUT: Chadi Riad (knee), Rob Holding (undisclosed), Cheick Doucoure (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Trevoh Chalobah (chest), Matheus Franca (chest/abdominal)
Everton vs Crystal Palace prediction
Goodison should be loud and behind the Toffees at the start, and that could buoy Everton as Palace’s dangerous attack increases its potency. Everton 1-1 Palace.
