Grealish’s Late Heroics End Palace’s 19‑Game Unbeaten Run in Everton Thriller

When Jack Grealish slipped a decisive strike past the keeper in stoppage time, it wasn’t just three points for Everton – it was the moment that snapped Crystal Palace’s astonishing 19‑match Premier League unbeaten streak.

The drama unfolded at Goodison Park on Sunday, 5 October 2025, during the 2025/2026 Premier League seasonEngland. Palace had taken the lead midway through the first half and looked set to extend their record run, but Everton’s late surge rewrote the script.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, the contest felt like a chess match. Palace, fresh off a string of hard‑won draws, pressed high and forced Everton into their half. Their early pressure paid off when Daniel Muñoz capitalised on a clever overlap from Ismaïla Sarr. In the 36th minute the Colombian defender curled a right‑footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom right corner, silencing the home crowd.

The goal sparked a wave of attempts from the visitors. Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was kept busy, pulling off a reflex save from Tyrick Mitchell and denying a long‑range effort from Yéremy Pino. By halftime the score remained 1‑0 and the fourth official indicated a minute of added time before the break.

How Palace Took the Lead

Palace’s opening move came after a well‑timed run down the right flank. Sarr, who had been a constant threat, slipped a low pass into the box where Muñoz, arriving late, found space and slotted the ball past Pickford. The assist was praised for its timing – the ball arrived just as Muñoz turned, giving him a clean strike angle.

After the goal, Palace continued to dominate possession, winning the majority of corners – six in total – and forcing Everton into a defensive shell. A brief handball controversy erupted when Adam Wharton appeared to handle the ball on the edge of the penalty area in the 27th minute, but the referee waved play on.

Everton’s Second‑Half Turnaround

Manager Sean Dyche made a tactical switch at the break, introducing Charly Alcaraz for the struggling Tyler Dibling. The fresh legs added width on the left and gave the team a new outlet for quick transitions.

Everton began to press higher, and the pressure forced Palace into several mistakes. Pickford’s confidence grew, and he denied a headed chance from Chris Richards after a cross from Adam Wharton. By the 75th minute, the home side had earned a corner that led to a close‑range header by Liam Harris, which rattled the crossbar but didn’t find the net.

Everything changed in the final minute of added time. A swift counter‑attack saw Grealish collect the ball near the halfway line, thread a pass to James Rodríguez, whose flick‑on landed perfectly for Grealish to side‑foot into the bottom left corner. The roar from the Goodison faithful was deafening – it was Grealish’s first goal for Everton, and it came at the perfect moment.

Key Performances and Tactical Shifts

• Jack Grealish – 1 goal, 2 key passes; his movement created space for the midfield.
• Jordan Pickford – 4 major saves, including a reflex stop from Mitchell.
• Daniel Muñoz – 1 goal; his early strike gave Palace a psychological edge.
• Ismaïla Sarr – 2 assists, constant threat down the right.
• Sean Dyche – substitution of Alcaraz proved decisive, reshaping Everton’s formation from 4‑4‑2 to a more fluid 4‑3‑3.

The match also highlighted the importance of set‑piece discipline. Palace’s corners were poorly defended at times, allowing Everton to press high after each set piece and win the ball back quickly.

What the Result Means for Both Clubs

For Everton, the three points propel them out of the relegation‑watch zone and bring them within striking distance of a top‑half finish. The win also eases the pressure on Dyche, who had been under scrutiny after a string of draws. Grealish’s breakthrough goal may signal a new attacking rhythm for the Toffees, especially as they look to tighten up defensively.

Palace, on the other hand, see their unbeaten run halted at 19 – a run that was the talk of the league and put them in the conversation for a European spot. The loss could dent confidence, but manager Roy Hodgson stressed that the squad remains “hungry” and that the season is far from over. Statistically, Palace still sit in the top five, with a goal‑difference of +15, so the setback may be short‑lived.

Looking Ahead

Everton’s next fixture pits them against Leicester City at home, a game that could cement their mid‑table surge if they keep the defensive solidity shown against Palace. Meanwhile, Palace travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, a test of whether they can bounce back against a top‑six opponent.

The Premier League table remains tight, and every point matters. Grealish’s late heroics will be replayed on highlight reels for weeks, reminding fans why football is as unpredictable as a coin toss.