Hackney shines on Everton debut in 2-0 win at Palace

Hayden Hackney marked his full Everton debut with an accomplished display as the Blues defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 in their Premier League season opener at Selhurst Park.

The summer signing from Middlesbrough started in defensive midfield and impressed throughout, with David Moyes' side claiming all three points thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury Hall's finish and a Thierno Barry header from Iliman Ndiaye's cross.

"We can take plenty of encouragement from our performance against the Eagles," Hackney said after the match, with the 24-year-old targeting a positive debut season at Goodison Park.

Hackney joined Everton from Middlesbrough during the summer transfer window and went straight into the starting lineup for the club's first competitive fixture of the campaign.