Everton opened their new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in style, with a 2-0 win over Brighton in their first home Premier League game at the venue. Jack Grealish, made his competitive debut for the toffees after completing the switch from manchester city, stole the spotlight with two assists that crowned a memorable day at Merseyside.
The evening carried a special weight for Toffees fans, who only months ago said farewell to Goodison Park after 133 years. Inside their new dockside home, the crowd roared with emotion as Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton threatened to spoil the housewarming. Kaoru Mitoma almost scored with spectacular volley that rattled the crossbar, before Danny Welbeck somehow failed to tap into an empty net.
Fittingly, the first Premier League goal at Hill Dickinson went the way of the hosts. Grealish weaved in from the left and drilled a ball across goal, met by Iliman Ndiaye’s determined run to fire home and write his name into Everton folklore. The stadium erupted, and though Brighton struck the post through Jan Paul van Hecke before halftime, Jordan Pickford’s safe hands kept Everton in front.
The second half brought even more cheer. Idrissa Gueye picked out Grealish, who rolled the ball back to James Garner. With time to pick his spot, the midfielder smashed a thunderous strike inside Bart Verbruggen’s near post to double the lead. Brighton pushed late on and were handed a lifeline when Yankuba Minteh’s effort struck Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s hand, but Pickford produced his eighth Premier League penalty save in Everton colours, denying Welbeck from the spot.
Everton reacted joyfully to Pickford heroics on the night by posting a celebatory message via their official X handle
By the closing stages, Brighton’s composure in front of goal deserted them, while substitutes Beto and Dwight McNeil nearly added further gloss at the other end. For Everton, this was more than just three points – it was a performance full of character, energy, and belief, one that sets the tone for life at their spectacular new home.
Brighton, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, as they remain without a win from their opening two league matches for the first time since 2017.
