- October
5
2025 - 5
When Jack Grealish slammed home his first goal for Everton in the 93rd minute, the stadium erupted and a 19‑match unbeaten streak evaporated.
The drama unfolded at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on October 5, 2025, with kickoff at 8:50 AM EDT. Everton Football Club had trailed Crystal Palace Football Club for most of the game, but a late penalty and a flash of brilliance turned a likely defeat into three vital Premier League points.
Match Overview
From the first whistle, Palace looked the sharper side. Their midfielder Daniel Munoz opened the scoring midway through the first half, slotting a low drive past Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. The home side pressed, but the visitors’ defence held firm, clearing chances off the line and forcing several shots to hit the woodwork.
Everton’s resilience began to show in the second half. In the 68th minute, a swift counter‑attack saw Ilíman Ndiaye win a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. He stepped up and coolly tucked the ball away, leveling the score at 1‑1.
Key Moments
The turning point arrived deep in stoppage time. With the clock reading 93 minutes, a loose ball in the Palace penalty area found Grealish on the edge of the box. He shuffled past a defender, slipped the ball under the advancing keeper and hammered it home. The roar that followed was audible across Merseyside and echoed on the live broadcast on Prime Video, Palace TV+, and various streaming platforms.
"I knew I had to make a difference," Grealish said in the post‑match interview. "Scoring for Everton in front of these fans—there’s nothing like it. It’s a perfect start after a long season of waiting."
Player Performances
Besides the headline‑making goal, several individuals stood out. Pickford made four crucial saves, including a fingertip deflection in the 84th minute that kept Everton’s hopes alive. Munoz, despite his early strike, was outworked in the second half; his passing accuracy dropped from 88% in the first half to 71% after the equaliser. Ndiaye’s penalty conversion gave him a 100% strike rate for the season so far—three goals from three attempts.
For Everton, David Moyes, the manager, praised his squad’s mental strength: "The boys showed the kind of character you teach in the academy. We never stopped believing, and Jack delivered when it mattered the most."
Manager Reactions
Palace’s boss, Roy Hodgson, admitted disappointment but remained optimistic: "Losing at the death hurts, but we’ve built something special this season. We’ll bounce back and keep the momentum going."
Even pundits were quick to weigh in. Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports noted, "Everton’s comeback shows they’re still a threat. Palace’s 19‑game run was impressive, but football is unpredictable—this match proves that."
Implications for the Season
Everton climb to 12th place with 31 points, three points clear of the relegation zone, while Palace sit fifth with 54 points, still chasing a Champions League spot. The victory also snaps Palace’s record run that spanned from March 2024 to early October 2025, a streak that had seen them unbeaten in 19 league and cup games.
Statistically, Everton’s goal‑difference improves to –2, and they’ve now secured five points from their last three fixtures—a stark contrast to the three‑point haul in the previous quartet of matches.
What’s Next?
Everton travel to Manchester City next weekend, a test that could further solidify Moyes’ rebuilding project. Palace, meanwhile, face a crucial home clash against Arsenal, where a win would keep them in the top three.
Both clubs will be under the microscope as the Premier League pushes toward the January break, with every point now carrying extra weight.
Key Facts
- Jack Grealish’s 93rd‑minute goal secured a 2‑1 win for Everton.
- Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run ended at 19 matches.
- Everton now sit 12th with 31 points; Palace are 5th with 54 points.
- Ilíman Ndiaye converted a 76th‑minute penalty to level the score.
- Match broadcast live on Prime Video, Palace TV+, and multiple streaming services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Everton’s relegation battle?
The three points lift Everton to 31 points, moving them three spots above the drop zone. With only two games left before the winter break, the win injects confidence and narrows the gap to the teams in 18th place, which sit at 28 points.
What does ending Palace’s 19‑game unbeaten streak mean for their title chances?
Although the loss stalls Palace’s momentum, they remain within striking distance of the league leaders. The defeat drops them to five points behind the top spot, but with a strong squad they can still mount a push for a Champions League place.
Who scored the goals for Everton besides Grealish?
The only other scorer was Ilíman Ndiaye, who netted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute to bring the match level before Grealish’s late winner.
When and where can fans watch replays of the match?
Highlights and the full replay will be available on Prime Video and Palace TV+ starting 24 hours after the match. Clips are also posted on the official Everton and Palace YouTube channels.
What did pundits say about Grealish’s impact at Everton?
Analysts highlighted Grealish as a "game‑changer" for Everton, noting his ability to unlock tight defenses. Jamie Carragher called the goal "the kind of moment that justifies his hefty transfer fee and shows why he's vital for Moyes' plans."
About Author
I am a journalist with a focus on daily news in Africa. I love shedding light on the stories that often go unheard and highlighting the dynamism of the continent. My passion for journalism is driven by a desire to inform, educate, and impact readers.
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Kirsten Wilson
October 5, 2025 AT 22:21Yo, the way that grealish popped up in the 93rd minute feels like that weird moment when you realise the universe has a sense of humor-blink and bam, you’re winning. It’s a reminder that even a club stuck in the midsesason like everton can pull a miracle if they keep the grind alive. The whole thing is pure chaotic poetry if you ask me.