David Moyes’ return to Everton is proving to be anything but a simple swap for Sean Dyche. The notion that all British managers operate the same way was firmly dispelled as Everton secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Each key contributor in the win highlighted Moyes’ tactical influence and ability to reinvigorate his squad.
Beto, a striker overlooked under Dyche, opened the scoring with a composed finish, while the decisive goal came from Carlos Alcaraz—an intelligent wildcard signing. Alcaraz, who had earlier assisted Beto’s goal, reacted quickest to a rebound from an Ashley Young shot, sealing Everton’s third win in six matches since Moyes’ return.
Though the game lacked the intensity of the midweek Merseyside derby, Everton displayed a resilience that had seemed lost. Their defense, recovering from recent struggles, withstood late Palace pressure, securing a victory that lifted them into mid-table—above the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham, and West Ham.
“It’s been a brilliant start. It was a scrappy win, but the players showed great resilience,” said Moyes. “There’s a much better connection between the supporters and the team.”
Injury Struggles and Tactical Battles
Moyes’ squad was stretched thin due to injuries and suspensions, with nine first-team players unavailable, including the influential Iliman Ndiaye and Abdoulaye Doucouré. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who previously bested Moyes in the 2022 Europa League semi-finals with Eintracht Frankfurt, sought a fourth consecutive victory over his counterpart but came up short.
“It’s not a game we should lose,” said Glasner. “We lacked efficiency today.”
Everton started sluggishly, still feeling the physical toll of their midweek exertions. Jarrad Branthwaite’s early miscue and a slip from James Tarkowski nearly gifted Palace an opener, only for Jordan Pickford to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta. Soon after, Marc Guéhi’s header forced another save, and Palace thought they had taken the lead when Jefferson Lerma found the net. However, VAR intervened, ruling that Justin Devenny’s corner had curled out of play before swinging back in. The stadium technology initially declared “Goal” before hastily correcting to “No Goal.”
Moments later, Everton capitalized on a Palace mistake. Tyrick Mitchell’s misplaced throw-in allowed Alcaraz to find Beto, who coolly slotted home—his confidence clearly revitalized under Moyes. “I’m playing with more joy and confidence,” the striker later admitted.
Alcaraz and Beto Shine Under Moyes
Alcaraz’s impact further challenges the notion that Moyes hesitates to trust flair players. On loan from Flamengo, the Argentine showed he can flourish in a Moyes system, provided he also contributes defensively. “Beto’s opportunities have come through injuries, but it was up to him to prove himself,” Moyes explained. “Carlos has done a great job for the team.”
Glasner responded at halftime by introducing Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze, though both were short of full fitness. Within seconds of the restart, Mateta rifled home after Guéhi’s overhead flick, but another lengthy VAR check delayed the official confirmation by nearly four minutes, leaving players awkwardly warming up on the sidelines.
“We had momentum,” Glasner reflected, but Everton remained a threat on the counter. Jesper Lindstrøm twice set up Beto, only for Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson to keep him at bay. Glasner then introduced Ben Chilwell for his first home appearance, adding depth that Moyes lacked. The Chelsea loanee’s overlapping run led to a shot that Pickford managed to deflect behind.
In response, Moyes called upon his own experienced left-back in Young, who will turn 40 in July. The veteran played a crucial role in the winning goal, further raising the question of why Moyes and Everton ever parted ways in the first place.
With 13 points from six matches since his return, Moyes has quickly turned Everton’s fortunes around, proving once again that his influence on Merseyside remains invaluable.
