An image of Everton manager David Moyes with Jack Grealish in a circular inset.
Credit: (Imago)
Tom Griffin
Sun 24 August 2025 16:06, UK
The Hill Dickinson Stadium finally hosted its first competitive game as Everton faced off against Brighton in the Premier League.
Everton were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United on Monday night and were aiming to bounce back from that disappointing defeat at home to Brighton.
In Everton’s first Premier League game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, history was on their side, as many top-flight teams have won their first game at a new ground.
So when Iliman Ndiaye slammed home their first goal at the new stadium after a quality cross from Jack Grealish, David Moyes was hopeful that the positive trend would continue.
And fortunately, Ndiaye’s first-half strike was followed up by a thunderbolt from James Garner in the second period as Everton beat Brighton 2-0. Goodison News has now picked out three key talking points from the victory.
Jack Grealish trains for England at St George's Park
(Credit: Imago)
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Jack Grealish announces himself at Everton
When Grealish joined on loan from Manchester City, Everton supporters were excited about watching the 29-year-old, hopefully seeing him recapture his best form under Moyes.
Grealish was introduced from the bench against Leeds, but to the delight of everyone, was unleashed from the start against Brighton, vindicating that decision with an outstanding performance.
Jack Grealish’s stats vs Brighton
94 minutes played
2 assists
29/35 passes completed (83%)
3 key passes
5 ground duels won
The fleet-footed winger produced an excellent cross on his weaker left foot for Ndiaye’s goal and was a constant nuisance for right-back Mats Wieffer to deal with.
On his day, Grealish is one of the best wingers in the Premier League, and he showed exactly why against the Seagulls after also grabbing an assist for Garner’s superb strike.
James Tarkowski sloppy once more
James Tarkowski was one of Everton’s best players during 2024/25, but his performances this term have been disappointing so far.
Gary Neville slammed Tarkowski for his handball against Leeds, and sadly, the aggressive defender showed no signs of improvement on Sunday.
The 32-year-old was sloppy in possession, giving away the ball needlessly and constantly putting his side into danger.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury has increased the importance of Tarkowski, who earns £100k-a-week, but his start to the season may prompt Moyes to dip into the market for another centre-back.
Jordan Pickford the hero
Everton were put under immense pressure from Brighton throughout the game and were fortunate not to concede.
Moyes had Jordan Pickford to thank for keeping the visitors at bay, particularly after he saved Danny Welbeck’s penalty.
Pickford was outstanding throughout, making some top-quality saves, and that stop to deny Welbeck from the spot was all-important as it prevented them from mounting a potential comeback.
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