Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace Player Ratings: James Tarkowski 8.5/10 Rated as Grealish Snatches Late Winner in a 2-1 Thriller

What a rollercoaster of a match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It was a classic game of two halves that saw Everton snatch a victory from the jaws of what looked like a frustrating draw. From our perspective, this Premier League encounter was defined by sheer grit and a dramatic late twist. Crystal Palace looked comfortable for large parts of the game. They took a deserved lead through Daniel Muñoz in the first half and seemed to be managing the game well.

However, Everton came out for the second half as a different team entirely. The introduction of substitutes at halftime injected new energy into their play. A penalty converted by Iliman Ndiaye changed the complexion of the game completely, setting up a frantic final quarter. Just when it seemed a draw was inevitable, Jack Grealish popped up with a stoppage-time winner, sending the home fans into delirium. This match will be remembered for its thrilling comeback and late, late drama. Here are the Everton vs Crystal Palace player ratings.

Everton Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Here are the Everton player ratings vs Crystal Palace.

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford - 7.5: Kept his team in the game with five crucial saves. He made some excellent stops in the first half when Palace were dominant. He couldn't do much about the goal he conceded. His distribution was decent enough under pressure. A reliable performance when his team needed him most.

Defenders

Michael Keane - 6.5: Had a solid game before being forced off with an injury. He made nine clearances and was a presence in the box for the 65 minutes he was on. He even got a few shots away, showing his threat from set pieces. A shame his afternoon was cut short.

James Tarkowski - 8.5: An absolute rock at the back and our highest-rated player. The captain led by example, winning an incredible nine out of eleven duels. He made a crucial clearance off the line and was dominant in the air. What stood out to us was his composure and leadership throughout, especially when the team was trailing. A true man of the match performance.

Jake O'Brien - 7.5: Another strong performer in the backline. He matched his partner with nine duels won and also had a clearance off the line. He almost scored with a header, forcing a great save from the keeper. He was a bit loose in possession at times but his defensive work was top-notch.

Vitaliy Mykolenko - 7.0: A very busy performance from the left-back. He had the most touches on the team and was constantly involved in both defense and attack. He made seven clearances and four interceptions. The only downside was losing possession 24 times, but his work rate was immense.

Midfielders

Iliman Ndiaye - 7.5: Stepped up to coolly convert the game-changing penalty. He was a livewire throughout, creating chances and causing problems for the defense. He did lose the ball a bit too often for our liking and picked up a late yellow card. But his goal was the catalyst for the comeback.

Jack Grealish - 8.0: The match-winner. He was a constant threat from the left, with all three of his shots hitting the target. He showed fantastic composure to score the winner deep into stoppage time. From our perspective, he looked confident and determined all game, drawing fouls and driving his team forward.

Tyler Dibling - 5.5: A difficult afternoon for the young midfielder. He struggled to get into the game and was substituted at halftime. He only had 20 touches and lost seven of his ten duels. A learning experience for him, for sure.

Idrissa Gueye - 6.5: A typically tidy performance in possession, with a 91% pass accuracy. He was crucial in recycling the ball and made eight ball recoveries. However, he did make an error that led to a shot and was physically second-best in his duels. A mixed bag.

James Garner - 7.5: Ran the midfield with an incredible 96% pass completion rate. He created two chances, including one big chance, and his delivery from set-pieces was a constant threat. He also put in a defensive shift, though he did pick up a yellow card for his troubles. A classy display.

Forwards

Thierno Barry - 5.0: It just wasn't his day. He was hooked at halftime after struggling to make an impact. He missed a big chance and lost seven of his ten duels. He looked off the pace and the substitution was justified.

Substitutes

Charly Alcaraz - 6.5: Came on at halftime and added some much-needed energy. He forced a good save with a left-footed strike and looked eager to make things happen.

Beto - 6.5: Provided a physical presence that was missing in the first half. He held the ball up well and created a chance for a teammate. He'll be disappointed he missed a headed opportunity.

Tim Iroegbunam - 7.0: A game-changing substitution. He came on and immediately won the penalty that got Everton back into the match. That single contribution was pivotal to the result.

Séamus Coleman - N/A: Brought on late to see out the win.

Manager

D. Moyes - 7.5: His halftime changes were spot on. He recognized the team was struggling and made the substitutions that turned the game on its head. The team showed immense character to fight back, a credit to their manager.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Everton

Here are the Crystal Palace player ratings vs Everton.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson - 7.0: He will feel unlucky to be on the losing side. He made five saves, including some really impressive stops to keep his team ahead. He could do nothing about the penalty and was left exposed for the winner. A strong performance overall.

Defenders

Maxence Lacroix - 5.0: A tough day for the defender. He was solid for large parts but his clumsy foul for the penalty was the moment the match turned against his team. It was a costly error that undid a lot of his good work.

Marc Guéhi - 6.5: The captain was heavily involved with over 100 touches. He won nine duels and made some important clearances. However, he also missed a big chance to score and was part of a defense that ultimately conceded a late lead. A solid, if not spectacular, outing.

Chris Richards - 7.0: A powerful defensive display. He was a force in the air, winning six aerial duels, and made five crucial clearances. He did his job effectively for most of the game, keeping the Everton attack at bay until the final stages.

Midfielders

Daniel Muñoz - 8.0: An outstanding all-around performance. He scored a well-taken goal and was a defensive titan, winning 13 duels and making seven tackles. He was everywhere on the pitch. It's a real shame his efforts didn't earn his team a point.

Tyrick Mitchell - 6.5: Was desperately unlucky not to score when his shot hit the post. He worked hard down the left flank but had mixed success in his duels. An energetic performance that lacked a decisive final product.

Daichi Kamada - 7.0: A workhorse in the midfield before being subbed. He won an astounding eleven duels and made eight tackles, constantly breaking up play. His energy was infectious, though he didn't offer as much going forward.

Adam Wharton - 7.0: Looked like a class act on the ball. He dictated play from deep, created chances, and was a threat with his deliveries into the box. He did get booked for a cynical foul, but his quality was evident throughout.

Forwards

Ismaïla Sarr - 7.5: Provided a brilliant assist for the opening goal. He was Palace's most dangerous attacker, creating three chances and always looking to run at the defense. His influence waned slightly before he was substituted.

Yéremy Pino - 7.0: A very industrious performance. He created two chances and was successful in the majority of his duels. He linked up play well and put in a good defensive shift. A solid contribution.

Jean-Philippe Mateta - 5.5: A frustrating day for the striker. He missed two big chances that could have put the game to bed. He struggled to make an impact against the physical Everton defense and was subbed with 20 minutes to go.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah - 5.5: Came on for Mateta but failed to provide the spark his team needed. He didn't get a shot away and offered little threat.

Jefferson Lerma - 6.0: Brought on to add defensive stability but couldn't stop the late Everton winner. Did his job quietly.

Justin Devenny - 6.0: Looked bright in his brief cameo. He forced a very good save from Pickford in the dying moments that could have salvaged a point.

Christantus Uche - N/A: Not on long enough to make an impact.

Manager

O. Glasner - 6.0: His team started perfectly and executed the game plan well for over an hour. However, they couldn't handle the pressure once Everton scored. From our perspective, his substitutions didn't have the desired effect, and he watched his side collapse and surrender all three points.