Dwight McNeil’s second-half double fired Everton to a first win of the Premier League season, with their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace keeping the visitors winless.
Sean Dyche’s side had fallen behind to a 10th-minute Marc Guehi opener after the Eagles captain poked home at the near post.
The half-time whistle was greeted by some boos by the Goodison Park faithful after the Toffees failed to have a shot on target.
But the home fans were cheering just two minutes into the second half when McNeil struck a magnificent equaliser as he curled one past Dean Henderson from distance.
The turnaround was then complete in the 54th minute when half-time substitute Jack Harrison delivered a fine cross to the back post for McNeil to finish low under Henderson.
Having lost the lead in four of their last six Premier League games, Everton finally held on for a much-needed victory that lifts them out of the relegation zone and gives the Merseysiders further positive news after the Friedkin Group agreed to take over the club earlier this week.
But Palace’s struggles continue this season, with Oliver Glasner’s side winless from their opening six league games and sitting outside the drop zone only on goal difference, leading to ex-Palace striker Clinton Morrison declaring them “bang in trouble”.
A relieved Jordan Pickford celebrates at the final whistle
Dyche: Second-half reaction was superb
Everton boss Sean Dyche speaking to Sky Sports:
“Very pleased. A lot of hard work in the turnaround. We conceded a soft goal and we know we’ve got to correct that…but the reaction was superb, particularly in the second half to take the game on.”
On the first half: “There’s a bit of nervousness. When you haven’t got that first win, it’s a nervous situation. You go one down and the feeling in the stadium is awkward for the players.
“I spoke to them in the second half about being someone who makes a difference. It’s every person that counts, not just one person.
“I thought the feel of the second half was better, not just the quality, not just the shape, but the actual feel.
“Dwight popping up with two great goals and some good energy in our play and some good quality in that the big moments went for us today.”
Glasner ‘not happy’ with ‘really bad start’ to season
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports:
“I’m not happy with the start, with the points we have. Maybe we need it.
“For me, nothing is a coincidence. Everything is for something good. Maybe we needed this hard falling down now with a really bad start. To change something, not to rely on the end of last season.
“You have to keep the focus high. It was twice, it was the second phase after a set play and we had the ball and we gave it away. We were not ready for the second ball in and then you lose.”
Dyche proves his worth to prospective new owners
Sky Sports’ Declan Olley:
In the week the Friedkin Group agreed to take over Everton, Toffees boss Sean Dyche desperately needed this win over Crystal Palace.
The takeover news had immediately led to speculation around Dyche’s future, with ex-England boss Gareth Southgate reportedly being eyed by prospective new owner Dan Friedkin.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has been in charge since January 2023
But Dyche proved his credentials on Saturday as he inspired a superb second-half performance by bringing on Harrison – who provided the assist for McNeil’s winner – and presumably giving an impactful half-time team talk.
Dyche, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, will hope to have restored faith amongst the Everton support, who were delighted to see Branthwaite back.
It is no surprise that the centre-back’s long-awaited return culminated in Everton’s first league win of the season with his calmness and composure at the back on display against Palace.
At the other end of the pitch, McNeil continues to impress and he has now created the most chances (21) of any player in the Premier League this season.
With this quality, Dyche will now be hoping he can move his side upwards to convince the prospective new owners he is the right man to take the club forward.
