Jack Grealish provided two assists as Everton recorded a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in their first match at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Iliman Ndiaye created history in the 23rd minute of the contest when he became the first player to score in the new stadium, turning a cross from Grealish into the back of the net.
Grealish then set up James Garner to score a thunderbolt early in the second period, and Brighton were unable to respond during the Premier League contest in Liverpool, with Danny Welbeck seeing a late penalty saved by Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The result has moved Everton into eighth position in the Premier League table, boasting three points from their first two matches, while Brighton remain 17th, boasting only one point from their first two fixtures of 2025-26.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Everton's James Garner celebrates scoring against Brighton on August 24, 2025
Well, that was some start for Everton at their glorious new stadium.
It has been a difficult few years for the Toffees to say the absolute least, but the future is now looking very bright, and this was a very strong performance against an excellent Brighton outfit.
Grealish was terrific, and the on-loan Manchester City attacker has the potential to be a real star for David Moyes' side this term, while the manner of their defending will also go down as a huge positive.
Pickford was needed to keep out a late penalty from Welbeck, and it would have been an uncomfortable conclusion for the hosts had the ball found the back of the net at that stage.
However, Pickford saved two penalties last season and is now off the mark for the new campaign.
All in all, it was a very positive afternoon for Everton at their new home, but it will go down as a disappointing result for Brighton, who are yet to get going during the 2025-26 campaign.
EVERTON VS. BRIGHTON HIGHLIGHTS
Iliman Ndiaye goal vs. Brighton (23rd min, Everton 1-0 Brighton)
Iliman Ndiaye scores Everton's first goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium! ? pic.twitter.com/FBQIIbPsEB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
The first goal in Everton's new stadium is scored by Ndiaye, with the forward turning home at the far post following an excellent cross from Grealish; the noise inside the ground is incredible!
James Garner goal vs. Brighton (52nd min, Everton 2-0 Brighton)
A thumping finish from James Garner! ? pic.twitter.com/Mf1TQAP9UL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Everton double their advantage early in the second period, and it is a thumping strike from Garner, who finds the bottom corner from distance after being found by Grealish, who now has two assists.
Danny Welbeck missed penalty vs. Everton (77th min)
Danny Welbeck's penalty is SAVED!
Big moment for Jordan Pickford ? pic.twitter.com/8mL3B8JaEG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Brighton pass up the chance to halve the deficit here, as Welbeck sees his penalty saved by Pickford; a handball from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had led to the award, but Pickford is on hand to make the save.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JACK GREALISH
Everton's Jack Grealish on August 24, 2025
Grealish is too good of a footballer to be sitting on the bench at Premier League level; he had to leave Man City this summer, and the attacker has seemingly found the perfect fit at Everton.
The England international was excellent on Sunday afternoon, coming up with two assists, while he also made three tackles, working tirelessly for his side throughout the 90 minutes.
EVERTON VS. BRIGHTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Everton 43%-57% Brighton
Shots: Everton 11-13 Brighton
Shots on target: Everton 3-4 Brighton
Corners: Everton 2-2 Brighton
Fouls: Everton 7-15 Brighton
BEST STAT
Iliman Ndiaye scored the last goal at Goodison Park and the first at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ✨ pic.twitter.com/JSmIFmzGMR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Everton will be aiming to progress to the third round of the EFL Cup when they welcome Mansfield Town to their new stadium on Wednesday night, before heading to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league next Saturday.
As for Brighton, the Seagulls will are away to Oxford United in the second round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and they will then host Manchester City in the Premier League next Sunday.
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