Dwight McNeil's record vs Crystal Palace suggests Everton will have last laugh after transfer saga
Dwight McNeil is unlikely to be over the heartbreak of his Crystal Palace transfer falling through at the 11th hour back in February.
The 26-year-old appeared set to leave Everton during the winter transfer window, with the winger desperate for a fresh start after plummeting down the pecking order on Merseyside.
Oliver Glasner's side pulled the plug on signing him, despite the deal being all but confirmed. Still, he has put the disappointment behind him, becoming a key figure at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday, 10 May, and McNeil will be hoping to prove the Eagles wrong. His previous record against the club would suggest that Glasner's side have plenty to worry about.
Dwight McNeil must extend his record vs Crystal Palace
In the last meeting, Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish were on target to secure three points in the last 15 minutes on Merseyside, but other players are now being expected to step up.
Thierno Barry did so against Manchester City and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall since his return from injury. Now would be the perfect time for McNeil to do so, having not notched a goal contribution since December.
The 26-year-old clearly enjoys playing against the Eagles, and on this occasion, he has an extra incentive to flatten them after his future was blown into smithereens under such disappointing circumstances.
| Dwight McNeil's record against | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals | Assists |
| Crystal Palace | 14 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
McNeil has won 50% of his 14 games against Palace, losing just five of them, and also boasts three goals and two assists, including a brace during the 2024-25 campaign.
Everton winger should be furious with Premier League side
Very few actually know what happened during the winter transfer window. All supporters know is just how heartbroken their player was after the deal fell through.
Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Palace failed to complete a deal "on purpose," while AC Milan's failed move for Jean-Philippe Mateta is listed as the main reason for the domino effect.
Whatever the reason, McNeil deserved to be shown more respect by the Eagles, but he has now rediscovered the love at the Hill Dickinson, as Everton fans show more appreciation for him.
The player can really rub salt into the wounds this weekend, with the Toffees aiming for European qualification. Proving Palace wrong would just be another bonus from a victory.