EPL: Everton Continue Revival Under Moyes with Win Over Palace

Everton secured a crucial 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, thanks to goals from Beto and Carlos Alcaraz, to continue their revival under David Moyes.

Everton secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in an engaging Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park. This win marked the Toffees' third victory in their last four league matches, while Palace's struggles against Everton continued, with the Eagles having now won just one of their last 21 league meetings against the Toffees.

David Moyes' side arrived at Selhurst Park in buoyant mood, having claimed a dramatic point in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The Toffees were seeking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches and appeared confident under their returning manager, who has revitalized the team since his return.

However, it was Crystal Palace who started the match brightly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta presented with an early opportunity following a defensive lapse by Everton. The Eagles continued to test the Toffees' defense, with Marc Guehi's header forcing Jordan Pickford into action. Palace thought they had taken the lead when Jefferson Lerma headed in a corner, but the goal was controversially disallowed due to the ball being deemed out of play.

Crystal Palace continued to create chances before halftime, with Ismaila Sarr coming closest to breaking the deadlock. Following some determined work by Chris Richards, Sarr struck the underside of the crossbar, leaving the Eagles wondering what might have been. Despite their dominance, Palace were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately allowing Everton to seize control of the match in the second half.

Everton swiftly capitalized on a misjudged throw-in by Tyrick Mitchell, launching a swift counterattack that culminated in Beto racing through on goal and calmly slotting the ball past Dean Henderson. The Toffees' joy was short-lived, however, as Crystal Palace equalized soon after the restart.

Everton make it four wins in their last five PL matches and move up to 13th 😤#CRYEVE pic.twitter.com/0f74BJxRHk

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2025

The hosts punished Everton for a partially cleared corner, with Marc Guehi hooking the ball back into the box for Jean-Philippe Mateta to sweep home. A lengthy VAR check ensued, but the goal ultimately stood, sparking a chaotic period of play. Everton twice came close to restoring their advantage, but Dean Henderson denied Jesper Lindstrom and Beto's close-range efforts on both occasions.

Crystal Palace continued to pose an attacking threat, with substitute Ben Chilwell – making his first Premier League appearance since April 2024 – seeing a low shot across goal tipped away. As the match entered its final stages, Everton crucially edged back in front through January signing Carlos Alcaraz, who scored his first goal for the club amidst appeals for a penalty.

Carlos Alcaraz's decisive strike proved to be the turning point, as Everton held on to secure a vital victory. This win marks another significant milestone in the David Moyes renaissance, with the Toffees climbing to 13th in the league table, level on points with Crystal Palace, who now sit directly above them.

The defeat leaves Crystal Palace still searching for consistency at home, having now managed only two league victories at Selhurst Park this season. As a result, the Eagles remain seven points adrift of the top half, a gap that is becoming increasingly significant as the season progresses.