When Jack Grealish stroked the 93rd‑minute winner at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 5, 2025, Everton Football Club turned a 1‑0 halftime deficit into a 2‑1 triumph over Crystal Palace Football Club. The atmosphere was electric, with 51,770 spectators hanging on every pass, every tackle, and ultimately, every breath‑less seconds of added time.
Background to the Fixture
Both sides entered Round 7 of the 2025‑26 Premier League on divergent trajectories. Everton had stumbled in the opening six games, picking up just four points after a 1‑0 loss at Newcastle and a goalless draw with Leicester. The Toffees were desperate for a win to lift them out of the relegation‑danger zone. Palace, meanwhile, sat comfortably mid‑table after a 2‑2 draw with West Ham and a narrow 1‑0 victory at Sheffield United. Their recent form suggested a cautious approach – something the Toffees hoped to exploit.
Match Overview
During Premier League Round 7 clashHill Dickinson Stadium, referee Michael Salisbury oversaw a game that swung like a pendulum. Palace’s left‑back Daniel Munoz opened the scoring in the 37th minute, slotting home a low drive after a quick break. The early lead gave the visitors confidence, and they dominated possession (52 %) in the first half, registering 5 shots, two of which were on target.
Tactical Shifts at Half‑Time
Everton’s manager – who remained deliberately unnamed in official statements – responded with an aggressive reshuffle. Beto and Carlos Alcaraz replaced Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry, injecting fresh legs into the attacking third. Six minutes later, Tim Iroegbunam came on for Michael Keane, signalling a shift from a rigid back‑four to a more fluid, pressing system. The Toffees moved from a 4‑2‑3‑1 to a slightly wider 4‑3‑3, allowing Iliman Ndiaye to operate higher up the pitch.
Key Moments and Statistics
- Goals: Daniel Munoz (37'), Iliman Ndiaye (pen. 76'), Jack Grealish (93')
- Possession: Everton 55 % – Palace 45 %
- Shots: Everton 8 (3 on target) – Palace 6 (2 on target)
- Pass accuracy: Everton 84 % – Palace 81 %
- Yellow cards: 4 total (2 to each side)
The turning point arrived in the 76th minute when a clumsy challenge on Ndiaye inside the box forced a penalty. He stepped up cool‑blooded and sent the keeper the wrong way, levelling the scores. The crowd’s roar was deafening, but the drama was far from over.
Grealish’s Decisive Strike
In the 93rd minute, with the game teetering on a knife‑edge, Grealish collected the ball on the right flank, cut inside past two defenders and curled a low‑driven effort into the bottom corner. "I just saw the space and went for it," Grealish later told the post‑match press conference, a grin tugging at his mouth. "It’s a massive win for us, especially after a tough first half. The fans deserved something special tonight."
Palace’s manager, Roy Hodgson, admitted disappointment: "We were unlucky to concede that late. The kids gave us everything, and credit to Everton for fighting back."
Player of the Match: A Surprising Choice
Despite the loss, the official Player of the Match award went to Daniel Munoz, whose opening goal and tireless work rate earned him praise from both benches. "I’m honoured," Munoz said, "but the team will feel the sting of that late goal. We’ll learn from it and bounce back."
Impact on the League Table
Everton’s three points catapulted them from 17th to 14th in the standings, reducing the gap to the safety zone to just three points. Palace slipped from 10th to 11th, a negligible dip but a reminder that every goal counts in a tightly packed table.
What’s Next for Both Clubs?
Everton travel to Manchester United for a high‑stakes encounter on October 19, a test that could solidify their climb. Palace, meanwhile, host newly‑promoted Brentford on October 23, hoping to regain momentum and keep their mid‑table ambitions alive.
Key Facts
- Date: 5 October 2025
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
- Attendance: 51,770
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- Man of the Match: Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the win affect Everton’s relegation battle?
The three points lift Everton to 14th place with 7 points from seven games, cutting the distance to the safety zone to three points. It also boosts morale ahead of a clash with Manchester United, where another win could see them comfortably mid‑table.
Who missed the most minutes for Palace after the defeat?
Midfielder Daichi Kamada was substituted at the 67th minute after a knock, leaving Palace without his creative spark for the final ten minutes of the match.
What tactical change sparked Everton’s comeback?
The introduction of Beto and Alcaraz added pace on the flanks, while the shift to a three‑midfield block gave Iliman Ndiaye more space to press and force errors, culminating in the decisive penalty.
When is the next Premier League match for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace host Brentford at Selhurst Park on October 23, 2025. The fixture offers a chance to recover lost ground and secure a vital home win.
What were the standout statistics from the game?
Everton enjoyed 55 % possession and completed 482 passes, while Palace created fewer chances but saw a higher shot‑to‑goal ratio (2 of 6). The decisive penalty conversion rate for the Toffees stood at 100 % (1 of 1).
- Oct, 6 2025
- Cassius Montgomery
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