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The Palace manager watched in disbelief as his players responded with shock to a dramatic late turnaround at Goodison Park. Crystal Palace's lengthy unbeaten streak was broken thanks to the Everton midfielder's first goal for the Everton manager's side.

Opening Period Control by Palace

Early on, Crystal Palace imposed their authority with long throws from the defender and incisive distribution by Adam Wharton. Everton faced early pressure, with Jordan Pickford—making his 300th top-flight appearance—called into action twice in the first two minutes.

Yeremy Pino and the full-back both found space on the edge of the box, but the England international stood firm. He later kept out Marc Guéhi from close range, with the defender taking the pace off the shot.

Palace kept up the pressure, with the left-back hitting the outside of the goal and the striker testing Pickford. In due course, the merited opening goal arrived.

Muñoz Breaks the Scoring

Yeremy Pino shielded the ball under pressure from two defenders before releasing the Senegalese forward. Sarr drove forward and played a perfectly weighted pass to the advancing Muñoz, who converted calmly for his second consecutive goal in two games.

The Home Side's After the Break Revival

David Moyes made two interval substitutions, taking off new arrivals Thierno Barry and the winger. The substitutes, the striker and Carlos Alcaraz, added immediate energy to Everton's hitherto lackluster offensive play.

Despite the uplift, Palace missed clear-cut opportunities to extend their lead. Mateta broke free and lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper, only for Jake O’Brien to head away off the line. Later, Ismaïla Sarr rounded Pickford but saw his attempt ricochet to the striker, who dragged his shot wide from 10 yards.

Penalty Levels the Contest

Everton were awarded a lifeline when Maxence Lacroix clattered into the substitute in the area. Iliman Ndiaye took responsibility and deceived the Palace keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Grealish Scores at the Death

With the match seemingly headed for a draw, the home side pushed for one last attack. Alcaraz—pivotal in the second-half—found Iliman Ndiaye on the wing. Ndiaye floated a perfect cross into the area, where the substitute met a powerful header.

Dean Henderson miraculously parried the point-blank header, but the rebound fell to Grealish, who deflected Muñoz's attempted clearance into the goal. Palace's unbeaten run was over, ending in dramatic fashion.