Grealish Secures Last-Gasp Decisive Goal as Everton End Palace's Undefeated Streak
Oliver Glasner watched in disbelief as his players reacted with disappointment to a stunning last-minute turnaround at Goodison Park. The Eagles' 19-game undefeated streak was broken thanks to the Everton midfielder's first goal for the Everton manager's side.
Opening Period Dominance by Palace
Early on, Crystal Palace imposed their control with set-pieces from the defender and incisive distribution by the midfielder. The hosts encountered immediate pressure, with the Everton goalkeeper—celebrating his three-hundredth Premier League appearance for the club—forced to save twice in the first two minutes.
The winger and Tyrick Mitchell both found space on the edge of the area, but Pickford stood firm. The keeper later denied Marc Guéhi from point-blank, with the defender slowing the effort.
The visitors continued to press, with Mitchell striking the outside of the goal and the striker forcing a save from the Everton keeper. Eventually, the merited opening goal arrived.
Daniel Muñoz Breaks the Deadlock
Yeremy Pino shielded the ball under challenges from two opponents before slipping in Ismaïla Sarr. Sarr drove forward and played a well-measured pass to the overlapping Muñoz, who finished calmly for his second consecutive goal in two games.
The Home Side's Second-Half Comeback
David Moyes made two half-time substitutions, replacing summer signings the forward and Tyler Dibling. Their replacements, Beto and Carlos Alcaraz, brought instant energy to Everton's hitherto sluggish offensive play.
Despite the improvement, Palace missed key opportunities to extend their lead. Mateta got through and chipped the ball over Pickford, only for Jake O’Brien to head away off the line. Subsequently, Sarr rounded the goalkeeper but watched his attempt deflect to Mateta, who pulled his effort wide from close range.
Spot-Kick Levels the Match
The Toffees were awarded a way back when Maxence Lacroix clattered into Tim Iroegbunam in the area. Iliman Ndiaye took responsibility and deceived Dean Henderson the wrong way from the penalty mark.
Grealish Scores at the Last Moment
With the game apparently destined for a tie, the home side launched one last push. Carlos Alcaraz—instrumental in the second-half—released Iliman Ndiaye on the wing. The scorer floated a perfect cross into the area, where the substitute met a towering header.
Dean Henderson miraculously parried the close-range effort, but the rebound fell to Jack Grealish, who deflected Daniel Muñoz's attempted clearance into the net. The Eagles' unbeaten streak was finished, concluding in dramatic fashion.
