22/08/2026
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Jarrad Branthwaite tackles a Palace player
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Everton opened a Premier League season with three points for the first time since 2021 after an impressive win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A super strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring for the Toffees three minutes before the interval, as the midfielder lashed across goal into the far corner. Thierno Barry doubled Everton’s lead early in the second period, meeting Iliman Ndiaye’s cross to head home.
Here’s how we rated the Everton players.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford - 8
An absolutely brilliant save to keep the game goalless from Eddie Nketiah. A momentum-changing moment in the game.
Right-back: Merlin Röhl - 6
The latest stop-gap for Everton’s problem position at right-back produced a steady if unspectacular performance in the unfamiliar role. Solid enough from the German, though there will be tougher tests than a Crystal Palace side that lacks out-and-out wingers.
Centre-back: James Tarkowski - 7
The usual brave blocks from Everton’s new captain, who looks far better with Branthwaite alongside him.
Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite - 8
Everton need Branthwaite to stay fit. Didn’t lose a single defensive duel, with 2/2 on the ground and 4/4 in the air.
Left-back: Vitaliy Mykolenko - 6
A performance that was about par for the course for Mykolenko: we all know his strengths and weaknesses, both of which were on show.
Midfield: Hayden Hackney - 7
A decent debut for Hackney, who, despite Moyes’s pre-game comments, looks ready for the Premier League.
Midfield: Harrison Armstrong - 9
Trusted from the start and will be tough to move from that midfield now. Excellent work to regain the ball for the opener and energy right until the very end. The kid’s a gem.
Midfield: Kieran Dewsbury-Hall - 9
Brilliant, brilliant goal to open the scoring and usual work rate throughout. Dewsbury-Hall promised there was more to come this season and delivered on the opening weekend. His goals from midfield will be crucial to any European challenge.
Right-wing: Iliman Ndiaye - 9
A perfect cross for Everton’s second goal showed what he can produce from the right. Ndiaye is just a brilliant watch when in the mood, and Everton need to fend off any interest before the deadline.
Left-wing: Tyrique George - 8
George might find himself following the Ndiaye playbook during the infancy of his Everton career, with more excitement than end product, but he is a live wire. If the 20-year-old can put it all together, there’s a real player there.
Forward: Thierno Barry - 7
Continued his encouraging pre-season form with a first goal of the Premier League campaign. His header was the sort of positioning and finish Everton need more of. Is the Remontada on?
Reader Comments (2)
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Jack Convery
2 Posted 22/08/2026 at 18:00:13
2 Posted 22/08/2026 at 18:00:13
A good way to stop it becoming 5 defeats on the trot on opening day. As soon as Rohl was told to hold back more, we looked more solid. Pickfords save really important. KDH has to stay fit as does Branthwaite - our go to guys this season. Encouraging starts from Armstrong and Hackney. I reckon Ndiaye will go - hope he doesn't. If he does Grealish will come back and maybe just maybe. our CEO will keep his word and get us that long yearned Right Back. Good start. Let's keep it going. COYBs.
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1 Posted 22/08/2026 at 17:56:01