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The Palace manager watched in disbelief as his squad members reacted with disappointment to a dramatic late turnaround at Goodison Park. The Eagles' 19-game undefeated sequence was broken thanks to the Everton midfielder's first goal for David Moyes' team.

First-Half Dominance by Palace

From the outset, Crystal Palace established their authority with long throws from Chris Richards and precise distribution by Adam Wharton. Everton encountered immediate pressure, with the Everton goalkeeper—celebrating his three-hundredth Premier League appearance for the club—forced to save twice in the opening two minutes.

The winger and the full-back both found space on the edge of the box, but the England international stood firm. The keeper later kept out Marc Guéhi from point-blank, with James Tarkowski slowing the shot.

Palace kept up the pressure, with the left-back hitting the outside of the goal and the striker testing Pickford. Eventually, the deserved breakthrough arrived.

Muñoz Breaks the Deadlock

Pino shielded the ball under challenges from two opponents before slipping in the Senegalese forward. Sarr drove forward and slid a perfectly weighted pass to the advancing Muñoz, who converted calmly for his second consecutive goal in two games.

The Home Side's Second-Half Revival

The Everton boss made two interval substitutions, taking off new arrivals the forward and the winger. Their replacements, the striker and Carlos Alcaraz, added immediate energy to Everton's hitherto sluggish attack.

Despite the uplift, the Eagles squandered clear-cut opportunities to extend their lead. Jean-Philippe Mateta broke free and chipped the ball over Pickford, only for Jake O’Brien to clear off the line. Later, Ismaïla Sarr dribbled past the goalkeeper but watched his attempt ricochet to the striker, who dragged his effort wide from close range.

Spot-Kick Levels the Match

Everton were awarded a lifeline when the defender clattered into the substitute in the area. Iliman Ndiaye stepped up and deceived Dean Henderson the opposite direction from the penalty mark.

Jack Grealish Strikes at the Last Moment

With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Everton pushed for one final push. Alcaraz—instrumental in the second-half—found Iliman Ndiaye on the right. Ndiaye floated a superb cross into the six-yard box, where Beto connected with a towering header.

Dean Henderson somehow saved the point-blank effort, but the rebound fell to Grealish, who blocked Muñoz's clearance into the goal. The Eagles' winning run was finished, ending in heartbreaking circumstances.