Jack Grealish delivered a statement performance on his home debut for Everton, assisting both goals in a 2-0 victory over Brighton as the Toffees marked their first Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in style.
Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner, combined with a late penalty save from Jordan Pickford, ensured a perfect start to life at their new riverside home and got David Moyes’ side off the mark for the new campaign.
Grealish the Architect
After a disappointing loss to Leeds on the opening weekend, Everton bounced back emphatically — thanks in large part to summer signing Jack Grealish, who registered two assists and was named Player of the Match.
Grealish’s first moment of magic came in the 24th minute, weaving past his marker before delivering a precise low cross that Ndiaye converted with confidence. It was Ndiaye’s second landmark goal in as many matches, having scored the final goal at Goodison Park.
In the 52nd minute, Grealish played a key role again, setting up James Garner, who rifled home a thunderous strike from 20 yards to double the lead.
“It was positive for the manager as well,” Moyes said post-match. “Jack gave us something different — composure, creativity, and ball retention. He carried the ball really well and was decisive in the final third.”
Brighton Waste Chances, Welbeck Misses Penalty
Brighton had their opportunities — and plenty of them. Kaoru Mitoma struck the crossbar early on, while Danny Welbeck missed from close range and later squandered a chance to bring his side back into the game from the penalty spot.
Matt O’Riley also saw an effort saved after intercepting a poor back-pass from James Tarkowski, and Jan Paul van Hecke struck the post in a chaotic first half for the visitors.
The penalty — awarded after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was penalised for handball — was poorly taken by Welbeck, with Pickford guessing correctly and saving comfortably.
Special Day at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
The occasion was about more than just three points. With fans exploring Everton Way and posing with commemorative granite stones, the stadium — framed by stone walls and dockside views — offered a sense of history and hope.
Architect Dan Meis had called for the new home to become “a bear pit”. Judging by the atmosphere, it’s well on its way.
“The crowd gave us everything today,” said Moyes. “To have that backing from the first whistle in a new home — it means a lot.”
Player Ratings
Everton: Pickford (7), O’Brien (6), Tarkowski (5), Keane (6), Garner (7), Gueye (6), Iroegbunam (7), Dewsbury-Hall (6), Ndiaye (7), Grealish (8), Barry (6).
Subs: Beto (6), Alcaraz (6), McNeil (5), Armstrong (N/A).
Brighton: Verbruggen (5), Wieffer (6), Van Hecke (6), Dunk (6), De Cuyper (5), Baleba (5), Ayari (6), O’Riley (6), Minteh (7), Mitoma (7), Welbeck (5).
Subs: Hinshelwood (6), Kadioglu (6), Gomez (6), Gruda (N/A).
