Everton news: Toffees outclass Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson to start Premier League season in style

Everton started the new Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, securing their first opening-round win in five years.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring in the first half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before Thierno Barry sealed all three points after the interval.

Manager David Moyes had earlier paired 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong with new arrival Hayden Hackney in a midfield gamble that by all accounts paid off.

It was, however, a frustrating afternoon for Pierre Sage and his Palace team as they missed several chances and went scoreless despite an xG of 2.04.

Moyes praises Everton’s game management

After the match, Moyes told Sky Sports: “Both teams had periods in the game.

“We could easily have been a couple of goals down. It was a worldie save [from Jordan Pickford to deny Eddie Nketiah]. It could have gone the other way.

“Once we got the first goal, it settled us. That mattered. We had big moments. Kiernan’s goal was important.

“We managed the game well after that and contained Palace really well.”

On the performance of his chosen midfield pairing of Armstrong and Hackney, Moyes added: “They done great. I’m really pleased.

“Harrison is earning his place in the team. He’s got an opportunity here, where at other clubs he might not have. He’s showed lots of good things.

“With Hayden, sometimes boys from the Championship need time, but he’s done well. I have to give him praise for how quickly he’s picked things up.”

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Eagles too slow, says Sage

Sage, meanwhile, said: “The first half we play as we decided, but the second half we let the opponent score the second goal.

“When we had the ball, we don’t play with speed. When you don’t play quick, the opponent is comfortable.

“We didn’t create so much in the second half. We have to be quicker in our play to be more assertive to take decisions quickly.

“We don’t deserve to win this game, but we deserve to win the first half.

“We miss something. It’s about us. We have to take the lesson and be better for the next game.”

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