Grealish leads Everton by the hand in their brand-new home ground

Everton secured their first three points of the new Premier League season with a 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that carried significance far beyond the scoreboard.

It was the first-ever home game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s brand-new home after saying farewell to the iconic Goodison Park at the end of last season. For supporters, players, and staff alike, this was more than just another match: it was the symbolic beginning of a new era, and the team rose to the occasion with a performance that combined efficiency, resilience, and flashes of star quality.

The build-up to the game was charged with anticipation. Everton’s move from Goodison Park, their beloved home since 1892, had been met with both nostalgia and excitement. Fans had spent the summer preparing for the change, and when they finally stepped into Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time, the sense of awe was visible. Thousands arrived hours before kickoff, exploring the concourses, admiring the state-of-the-art facilities, and singing familiar chants that echoed around unfamiliar walls. By the time the teams emerged from the tunnel, the atmosphere was electric, a mix of celebration and nervous expectation nobody wanted this historic day to be marred by defeat.

On the pitch, David Moyes’s team embraced the occasion. From the opening whistle, Everton looked sharp and determined. Jack Grealish, the marquee arrival on loan from Manchester City, immediately showed why he had been brought in to lead the attack. Operating with freedom in midfield, he dictated the tempo, demanding the ball at every opportunity, driving at defenders, and linking brilliantly with Iliman Ndiaye. Brighton, meanwhile, stuck to their philosophy of controlled possession and patient buildup, but their defensive line featuring Dutch trio Bart Verbruggen, Mats Wieffer, and Jan Paul van Hecke quickly found themselves under sustained pressure.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half, and fittingly, it was created by Grealish. In a move that combined elegance and intent, the Englishman dribbled past his marker on the left flank and cut into the box. With perfect vision, he picked out Ndiaye at the far post. The Senegalese striker made no mistake, tapping home to make it 1–0 and immediately writing himself into Everton history books as the scorer of the first-ever competitive goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The symbolism was profound: Ndiaye had also netted the final goal at Goodison Park, and now he had opened the new chapter. Supporters erupted in celebration, some in tears, aware they were witnessing history unfold before their eyes.

Brighton responded positively, carving out opportunities through their wingers and midfield runners. Their clearest chance came late in the first half when Simon Adingra forced Jordan Pickford into a sharp save. Yet Everton’s defensive organisation, marshalled by James Tarkowski and backed by a commanding Pickford, ensured they reached the interval with their lead intact.

The second half showcased Everton’s growing confidence. Grealish once again took centre stage, this time turning provider in a more understated but equally effective way. A simple pass into space for James Garner seemed harmless at first, but the full-back unleashed a stunning long-range drive that flew into the near corner. The strike doubled Everton’s advantage to 2–0 and was met with thunderous cheers from the home crowd. Garner’s celebration arms raised, fists clenched, roaring towards the stands encapsulated the sense of release and joy coursing through the stadium.

Brighton, however, were not finished. They pushed forward with urgency, knowing they needed a lifeline. That chance came with just fifteen minutes remaining when Danny Welbeck won a penalty after a tangle inside the box. The veteran striker stepped up, but his effort was superbly saved by Pickford, who guessed correctly and palmed the ball away. The miss all but ended Brighton’s hopes. For the Seagulls, it was the story of their afternoon: plenty of possession, moments of promise, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. Statistically, they created enough chances to score at least once, yet Everton’s clinical finishing made the difference.

The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration. For Everton, the victory meant more than just three points it was vindication, a perfect way to open their new stadium, and a statement that this season could be different from the struggles of recent years. The ghosts of relegation battles and inconsistent form were pushed aside, at least for one afternoon, by the promise of a brighter future. Supporters lingered in the stands long after the players had left, soaking up the atmosphere and taking photographs of a day they will never forget.

David Moyes, visibly emotional, praised his team’s discipline and highlighted the significance of the win. His decision to substitute Grealish in stoppage time allowed the crowd to give the England international a standing ovation. In just one match, Grealish had equalled his assist tally from his last two seasons at Manchester City, a reminder of what he can bring when trusted with responsibility. For the player himself, it was a moment of redemption proof that he can still be a difference-maker at the top level.

Brighton left frustrated. After a draw against Fulham in their opening fixture, they are still searching for their first win of the season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side played with their usual style but lacked cutting edge, and Welbeck’s missed penalty epitomised their afternoon. Yet, with their quality and depth, few doubt they will soon turn performances into results.

For Everton, though, this was about history, emotion, and the promise of a new beginning. A 2–0 victory, goals from Ndiaye and Garner, two assists from Grealish, and a clean sheet from Pickford ensured that the Hill Dickinson Stadium opened its doors to the best possible script. As fans filed out into the streets of Liverpool, they did so with pride, relief, and the belief that perhaps this new home really could be the foundation for a brighter era.