Everton Football Club's new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has begun with a resounding 2-0 victory over Brighton, a game in which Jack Grealish shone brightly on his home debut. The on-loan winger from Manchester City, Grealish, played a pivotal role, providing two assists and earning the Man of the Match award. This performance not only marked a personal resurgence for Grealish but also fueled a sense of optimism and new beginnings for the Toffees.
Grealish's arrival at Everton was motivated by a desire for change after struggling for consistent minutes at Manchester City. His decision was swayed by a conversation with manager David Moyes, who instilled in him a belief that Everton was the right place to revitalize his career. In just his first full game for Everton, Grealish matched his assist total from the previous two Premier League seasons combined at Manchester City, demonstrating his immediate impact.
The game itself was historic, being the first Premier League match played at Everton's new £800 million stadium. The atmosphere was electric, with 51,759 fans eager to witness the dawn of a new chapter. Grealish didn't disappoint, as he orchestrated Everton's attack with flair and precision. His first assist came in the 23rd minute, when he delivered a perfect cross for Iliman Ndiaye to volley home, sparking jubilant celebrations. Ndiaye, who also scored the final goal at Goodison Park, etched his name into Everton folklore once again by scoring the first goal at the new stadium.
Grealish's second assist showcased his vision and understanding with his teammates. He laid the ball back to James Garner, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that doubled Everton's lead. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and further solidified Grealish's status as the game's outstanding performer. Even Grealish would admit his second assist owed more to the pureness of James Garner's strike than his gentle roll back for the makeshift left back but he fully deserved his standing ovation in second-half added time.
Beyond Grealish's brilliance, Everton's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Jordan Pickford, the Everton goalkeeper, made a crucial penalty save from Danny Welbeck, preserving Everton's clean sheet and sending the home fans into a frenzy. Pickford's penalty-saving prowess is well-known, and he once again consulted his water bottle, which has notes on opposition penalty takers, before making the crucial stop.
While the focus was on Everton's attacking performance, it's worth noting that they started the game without a recognized full-back for the second consecutive match. James Garner, a midfielder by trade, filled in at left-back and not only defended admirably but also scored a stunning goal.
The victory over Brighton was Everton's first of the season, providing a significant boost after their opening-day defeat to Leeds. It was a day of firsts, including first starts for Grealish and Thierno Barry, adding to the sense of a fresh start at the club.
Grealish's performance was reminiscent of his time at Aston Villa, where he played with freedom and exuberance. His ability to get fans off their seats and create scoring opportunities was evident throughout the game. After the match, Grealish expressed his desire to put on a show for the Everton supporters and spoke of how special the performance was. He also revealed that he and Ndiaye had barely played together in training, making their on-field connection even more impressive.
With the new stadium and the arrival of Grealish, there's a renewed sense of hope and excitement surrounding Everton. The team's performance against Brighton suggests that they are ready to embrace this new chapter and build a brighter future for the club and its fans.
