Crystal Palace’s remarkable 19-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Sunday after Jack Grealish scored a late winner to hand Everton a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Palace, who had the chance to climb to second place in the Premier League, struggled to maintain their intensity after midweek Europa Conference League exertions in Ukraine, where they beat Dynamo Kyiv.
The visitors dominated the first half and took a deserved lead through Daniel Muñoz, who calmly converted from Ismaïla Sarr’s precise pass. However, their failure to capitalise on several chances before the break would prove costly.
Everton fought back in the second half, with Iliman Ndiaye levelling the score from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix fouled Beto inside the area.
The match looked destined for a draw until a late twist saw Grealish — on loan from Manchester City — grab the winner fortuitously. Muñoz’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the winger and looped into the roof of the net, leaving Sam Johnstone helpless.
The result marks Palace’s first defeat in 20 matches, ending a run that had stretched back to last season, while Everton continue their steady climb up the table with back-to-back league wins.
