Crystal Palace got their Premier League season off to a disappointing start with a 2-0 defeat away to Everton. 

A closely contested first half saw Palace miss many chances, whilst Everton took one of the few they created and scored through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. 

The second forty five couldn’t have started much worse for Pierre Sage’s side, conceding the second to a Thierno Barry header after some poor defending inside the box. 

A lack of quality going forward paired with what became a flat atmosphere amongst the side following Riad’s injury. 

It was a difficult watch for large parts, but the general build-up play was strong in moments and created chances, Palace squandering four of the four big chances they created. In fact, Palace almost doubled Everton’s expected goals, demonstrating the quality of the chances missed. 

Palace also held the majority of possession, with 58%, something which wasn’t a common occurrence under Glasner. 

However, some trends from last season did carry over, and Mateta’s performance was unfortunately no different to many from the previous campaign. A clear lack of synergy amongst the forward line caused issues at times too, especially in the first half, when movement off the ball didn’t quite line up with the direction of forward passing. 

Defensively Palace were solid for the most part, but it was a lapse of concentration that led to Everton’s second goal, and for their first, Muñoz failed to clear his lines which created the opportunity for Dewsbury-Hall to strike beyond Henderson. 

Poor marking inside the box led to the Toffees’ second, as Thierno Barry escaped both Richards and Canvot inside the box to head home directly under Henderson’s feet. 

Whilst these errors are likely down to shaking off the rust of pre-season, they were ultimately costly. 

It is important to remember that Palace had many players at the World Cup, and the majority of the first team squad made it into the knockouts, so are a few weeks behind in their pre-season preparations.

With a week to go in the transfer window, it’s heating up to be a busy one, as doubts over the futures of numerous Palace players continues, as does the need for new signings. 

Riad had come back into the Palace side at the end of last season and enjoyed a strong World Cup with Morocco, but his season couldn’t have got off to a worse start. 

He defended resolutely for the most part until the 72nd minute, when a collision inside the box with Barry saw him land awkwardly on his knee, and after the issues he’s had which have seen him miss so much football in his career. 

Palace already needed two more signings in central defence, but with Riad potentially set for another lengthy period on the sidelines, there could be a need for three incomings too. 

The delay caused by the injury seemed to take the life out of the game, and when it finally resumed, there was a clear lack of energy. Palace will be hoping it’s not as serious as it first looked, but with Riad’s injury history considered, there can’t be much hope. 

As mentioned, the majority of the squad have played very little in pre-season, and it may take another week or two for them to get back up to speed. With the ongoings away from the pitch too, the shape of Palace’s squad once the transfer window closes is currently unknown. 

Sarr could yet leave, as may Muñoz and Mateta, and there simply has to be new signings joining the club this week. 

Palace will look ahead to Manchester City next weekend, where they will look to put things right after a disappointing opening to the season.