-sm.jpg)
David Moyes admitted that Everton were made to work exceptionally hard and rode their luck in the opening stages before securing a 2–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry earned the Blues 3 points on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but the Blues boss was candid regarding the team's early display and the areas where squad reinforcement remains essential.
"At the beginning of the match, Palace looked much more structured and played better than us. It really took a while for us to get into the game. They hit the woodwork twice early on, and Jordan Pickford had to make a crucial save to keep us level.
With a good deal of luck and a massive amount of effort from the lads, we managed to pull through and win it in the end. Getting off to a winning start at home gives us huge confidence going forward."
Moyes singled out several core performers alongside the younger members who stepped into the starting lineup:
-
Jordan Pickford and Dewsbury-Hall: "Jordan’s save in the first half kept us in the game at a pivotal moment. Kiernan showed his growing influence on this team — his finish was outstanding and gave us control when we needed it most."
-
Youngsters and Adapting Roles: "We had young players like Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George, and Merlin Röhl stepping up. Merlin played out of position down the right side and showed great discipline. It wasn't always clean, but their work rate was top-class."
-
Thierno Barry's Development: "Thierno took his header really well off Iliman Ndiaye's cross, but we are still driving him to demand more from himself as he adapts."
Moyes also fielded questions regarding transfer market plans and a unique pre-match call involving Prime Minister Andy Burnham:
-
Right-Back Hunt: "We definitely would like a right-back before the window closes! Everyone knows the squad is short in a couple of positions, but the players on the pitch showed great character to get the job done today."
-
VIP Call: "Andy Burnham was down here today, and Peter Reid put him on the phone to me in the office before kickoff to wish us good luck! It’s nice to start the season with a win for everyone who came out to support us."
Reader Comments (15)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:31:38
As we all know, a right-back is a must, along with a striker and holding midfielder. COYB
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:52:25
Hackney needs a bit of time to get up to the pace of the Premier League but, for me, a very pleasing display alongside Armstrong who again looked comfortable -- let's remember that he is only 19!
Will we lose some mobility when Norgaard is fit as he tends to sit deep?
The real negative for me yesterday was Tarkowski. We can't ignore the facts of life and laws of nature, with all the will in the world: he's now just too slow.
Great 2nd-half response which, judging by the first 45 minutes, may have been a disaster.
4 Posted 23/08/2026 at 12:14:46
The first goal changed the game and the midfield started to get a grip on Wharton, who was pulling the strings early on.
I don t think that will be main formation going forward and Moyes will probably play Johnson, Dibling and a couple more against Preston.
5 Posted 23/08/2026 at 12:32:26
We did ride our luck but it's a very welcome 3 points. Onwards UTFT'S
6 Posted 23/08/2026 at 14:26:04
And if that were to happen would you consider that a good window overall Mark, UTFT
7 Posted 23/08/2026 at 14:30:40
8 Posted 23/08/2026 at 14:35:20
I'm not a Moyes fan and I'd rather we kept our powder dry for when a new manager replaces him, ie, not stretch the budget.
But I think if we got Richarlison, Munoz and perhaps Grealish, I'd say it's been a good window, yes.
9 Posted 23/08/2026 at 14:45:31
On yesterday's showing, I would probably prefer Castagne to Munoz myself, Mark, but if we were to add Richarlison, then I would agree it would have been a good window.
Not Grealish for me, certainly not, if it meant losing Ndiaye.
10 Posted 23/08/2026 at 15:29:32
After Armstrong and Hackney's superb performance yesterday, there's no way Garner and Norgaard should walk back into the team.
I know it's typical Moyes to change things, but what message would he send, dropping two players who were a breath of fresh air yesterday?
11 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:36:31
He's best mates with Burnham, has been for years, was there when Burnham gave his first speech outside #10, and will be dossing in a spare bedroom there for the London aways.
Did anyone know that there are around 100 rooms in #10? That's a lot of spare bedrooms.
12 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:40:23
In training for the Great North Run.
13 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:43:42
About time he got himself fit
14 Posted 23/08/2026 at 22:44:57
Can't beat experience.
15 Posted 24/08/2026 at 16:10:09
Reid was all about the team; there were times early on in the game on Saturday that I thought Tarkowski was all about himself.
Of course, Rohl pushed on and went missing at times but I never saw Tarkowski split himself for the good of his team, except for one trademark tackle when he came rushing out towards the right flank, ready to take everything, which always looks good on the eye.
A rookie right-back who wants to get forward needed better guidance and better cover. Although I've never minded Tarkowski, he reminded me of the time I started playing with lesser players and it became every man for himself.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:09:27
We adapted to Palace using the space behind Rohl, Tarkowski and got away with it.
Welcome 3 points and good performances from Armstrong and Hackney before they vanish when we have a fully fit squad.