Jack Grealish Offers Player of the Match Award to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton After Everton’s Dramatic Win
Jack Grealish, on loan at Everton from Manchester City, showcased sportsmanship by offering his Player of the Match award to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton following Everton’s 2-1 comeback victory over Palace on October 5, 2025, at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Grealish scored the decisive 93rd-minute goal, ending Palace’s 19-game unbeaten streak, but insisted the 21-year-old Wharton, who dominated midfield, deserved the accolade.
#### The Match: Grealish’s Heroics and Wharton’s Brilliance
Palace took a first-half lead through Daniel Muñoz, but Everton rallied with Iliman Ndiaye’s 76th-minute penalty after Maxence Lacroix fouled substitute Tim Iroegbunam. In stoppage time, Grealish capitalized on a rebound after Dean Henderson saved Beto’s header, with Muñoz’s clearance ricocheting off him into the net. Grealish, who had been urged by manager David Moyes to attack the back post, called the goal “fortunate” but dedicated it to Everton fans.
Despite earning his third Player of the Match award this season, Grealish told Sky Sports: “I think Adam Wharton today… I can see the Man of the Match award there, I think it’s coming to me, but it should go to Adam Wharton because, in my opinion, he was the best player on the pitch today.” Wharton, a £22 million signing from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, has drawn praise from Pep Guardiola and interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. He responded humbly: “Jack’s a top player… He played well and scored the winning goal… I’m not too fussed about any award. I just want to win.”
Grealish’s Revival and Sportsmanship
Grealish, 30, has rediscovered his spark at Everton, registering one goal and four assists in the 2025/26 Premier League season after a goal-shy spell at Manchester City. His August Player of the Month award and this clutch performance highlight his resurgence, though his England snub by Thomas Tuchel sparked debate, with Everton’s X bio cheekily updating to “Grealish for England.” His gesture toward Wharton, a fellow England absentee, was lauded as “class” across social media, reinforcing his reputation for off-field generosity, like his 2023 video message to a released Palace academy player.
Palace’s Heartbreak and Wharton’s Rise
Palace’s loss, despite a dominant 60-70 minutes, was compounded by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s missed chances, including an open goal, underscoring his 2.2 underperformance in expected goals. Manager Oliver Glasner refused to blame fatigue from their midweek Europa Conference League win, praising Wharton’s “incisive distribution” that troubled Everton. Wharton’s performance, rated 8/10 by Sky Sports, cemented his status as a Premier League standout, with transfer rumors intensifying for 2026. Grealish’s noble act highlighted both his humility and Wharton’s growing influence.
