MusaEverton’s Top-Half Test: Can Moyes Topple In-Form Palace?
Everton welcome Crystal Palace to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon, desperate to end a four-match winless run. The challenge is formidable, as they face an Eagles side enjoying an 18-match unbeaten streak under Oliver Glasner.
The Toffees will be forced to cope without the suspended Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, presenting a selection headache for David Moyes. However, a more deep-rooted issue looms larger: the club’s poor record against the league’s top teams.
A Concerning Record Against the Elite
While Everton have a strong recent record against Palace—remaining unbeaten in their last nine meetings—their form against the top half of the table tells a different story.
The Toffees have managed just four wins in their last 31 Premier League matches against teams starting the day in the top half, suffering 19 defeats and registering 11 draws. This is a trend Moyes must reverse if he is to achieve his goal of European qualification.
A Chance to Prove Their Progress
Victory over this weekend’s opponents would be a significant statement. Crystal Palace are currently the division’s most in-form team, sitting third in the table. A win against them would not only halt Everton’s slide but also serve as powerful evidence that the team is genuinely progressing under Moyes and can compete with the best.
After a promising start with wins over Brighton and Wolves, Everton’s season has stalled. Defeating a top-tier side like Palace is the necessary next step to translate their upward trajectory into tangible results and re-ignite their European ambitions.
Musa
