Jack Grealish's 93rd‑Minute Goal Ends Palace's 19‑Game Unbeaten Run

When Jack Grealish struck in the 93rd minute, Everton FC celebrated a 2‑1 comeback win over Crystal Palace FC at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 5, 2025. The match, a Premier League clash that kicked off at 10:00 a.m. local time, snapped Palace’s 19‑game unbeaten streak – 12 of those without a loss in the league – in the most dramatic fashion possible.

Why the Result Matters

Everton’s triumph does more than add two points; it signals a potential shift in the top‑half of the table. Manager David Moyes, who took charge of the Toffees in 2016, praised his side’s resilience, noting that overturning a deficit against a side in form is a "benchmark moment" for any campaign. For Palace, boss Oliver Glasner faces the headache of regrouping after a run that saw the club climb to its highest league finish in a decade.

Match Timeline

• 10:00 – Kick‑off under clear skies at the newly renamed Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• 22nd minute – Everton’s James Tarkowski forces a corner; the ball is cleared to the halfway line.
• 33rd minute – Eberechi Eze bites a cross and forces a corner for Palace.
• 48th minute – Ethan Hamilton finds the net after a quick break; Palace leads 1‑0.
• 54th minute – Everton win a penalty after Jarrad Branthwaite is brought down in the box by Luis Munoz. Jordan Pickford saves the spot‑kick.
• 67th minute – James Rodríguez equalises with a low drive past the keeper.
• 93rd minute – After a mis‑controlled clearance by Palace defender Mikael Munos, the ball ricochets straight into the path of Jack Grealish, who taps it home for the winner.

How the Goal Unfolded

The scene was almost cinematic. Palace had settled into a defensive block, but a hesitant back‑pass from Mikos Munos was punched clear by his own centre‑back. Instead of finding a teammate, the ball spun off the turf, looped over the defensive line and landed at Grealish’s feet just inside the six‑yard box. He didn’t need to flash his usual flair – a gentle side‑foot nudged the ball past the stranded Nick Pope, the Palace goalkeeper.

BBC’s Sport commentator described the strike as "freakish" and "the kind of moment youngsters dream about when they first pick up a football". NBC Sports’ analyst added, "There could be no happier person on the pitch. No more popular person with the Evertonians than Jack right now."

Reactions from the Dugout

David Moyes was visibly relieved, gesturing toward the bench as the final whistle blew. In the post‑match interview he said, "We showed we can fight back when things look bleak. I’m proud of the lads for keeping belief alive."

On the other side, Oliver Glasner admitted the loss was "painful" but emphasized that the squad had proven its quality over the past months. "We’ll learn from this, regroup, and aim to finish the season strong," he told reporters.

Broadcast Reach and Fan Experience

Fans in the United Kingdom watched live on Sky Sports Premier League, while American audiences tuned in via NBC Sports. The match also streamed on Palace’s subscription service, Palace TV+, which provided an audio‑only commentary for fans on the move. Meanwhile, YouTube personalities like Realltom Football offered a live watch‑along, complete with fan chat and tactical breakdowns.

What This Means for the Table

Everton climb to 9th place with 28 points, edging closer to a coveted European spot. Their next fixture against Aston Villa could be a test of consistency. Palace, now on 31 points, drop to 12th and must navigate a congested schedule that includes an upcoming FA Cup tie against Leicester City. The psychological blow of seeing 19 unbeaten matches end in the dying seconds could affect morale, but Glasner’s experience in European competition suggests he’ll keep the squad focused.

Historical Context

A 19‑game unbeaten run is rare in top‑flight English football. The last time a Premier League side managed a longer streak was Liverpool’s 21‑match run during the 2019‑20 season. Palace’s surge this year was built on a defensive solidity that saw them concede just 0.9 goals per game during the streak. Their style, often compared to that of José Mourinho’s early‑season Chelsea sides, relied on disciplined pressing and swift counter‑attacks.

Looking Ahead

Everton’s next challenge will test whether the win was a fluke or the start of a resurgence. If they can maintain a positive goal difference and pick up points against higher‑placed opponents, Moyes could be talking about a top‑six finish for the first time since his early years at the club.

For Palace, the focus shifts to resetting after the disappointment. Glasner hinted at rotating the squad to keep key players fresh for the FA Cup, while also emphasizing that the underlying tactical framework remains solid. A swift bounce‑back win against a mid‑table side could restore confidence.