Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in the Premier League, using their compact 4-2-3-1 shape to withstand Palace’s territorial control before attacking with greater precision. Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 side held 58% possession and produced 1.96 xG, compared with Everton’s 1.12, but the hosts defended their penalty area effectively and remained disciplined without the ball. That contrast defined the contest: Palace generated the stronger underlying attacking return, yet Everton protected their lead through assured goalkeeping and a well-organised midfield screen. The home goalkeeper recorded a 100% save rate, ensuring Palace’s pressure brought no reward, while Everton made their opportunities count at the other end. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry supplied the goals, giving David Moyes’ side two distinct attacking reference points behind and ahead of the central creative line. Everton’s lower possession share therefore reflected a deliberate, controlled approach rather than an inability to influence the match, with their structure and penalty-box efficiency proving decisive. The result gives Everton three valuable early-season points.