Everton made the perfect start to their new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after a 2-0 win against Brighton.
It couldn’t have really gone any better for David Moyes, who oversaw an excellent display from his Everton side.
Shining performances from the likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye showed that the Blues aren’t messing about this season, as the atmosphere brought back Goodison Park vibes.
Fabian Hurzeler was impressed with Everton’s energy last season, and the Toffees certainly showed that flawlessly.
An exciting performance with plenty of positives to take, but Pat Nevin spotted something which is a stark contrast from what we normally see in a Moyes team.
Everton FC v Southampton FC - Premier League
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Pat Nevin says David Moyes let Everton ‘attack and dribble’ against Brighton
The new era certainly brings excitement, and Moyes and The Friedkin Group seemed to have smashed it with their recruitment after Grealish grabbed two assists.
After his display, the 29-year-old will obviously take the plaudits, but former Everton winger Nevin focused more on the overall setup, as he spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about what looks ‘very un-Moyes-like’, and it seems like the Scotsman has adapted his style for the season.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“It is very un-Moyes-like the way that Everton are playing. They are getting the ball down, playing it through the middle, getting the ball out wide players and telling them to go and attack and dribble, take a chance,” Nevin said.
A normal Moyes side is more compact and relies on set-pieces and long balls, but there was a new feel to this Everton side against Brighton.
The difference from the Leeds United game was certainly staggering, and the difference with Grealish’s quality was clear, as Moyes seems to have suited the style to their new winger.
Minutes played 94
Assists 2
Chances created 3
Tackles won % 3/3 (100%)
Passing accuracy % 83%
Recoveries 7
Jack Grealish’s statistics in Everton 2-0 Brighton, as per FotMob
Jamie Carragher said fans will only watch Grealish at games, and if he continues what he and another player did on the Hill Dickinson’s opener, they’re in for a treat this season.
David Moyes has serious weapon with Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye connection
It was a satisfying performance for Moyes, who knows the display against the Seagulls compared to Leeds was night and day.
The new-look attack was on fire, as a connection Evertonians might have to get used to shone on the big stage.
A main takeaway from this is that both Ndiaye and Grealish will establish a very promising connection, with the on-loan Man City player’s creativity and the Senegalese star’s excellent runs into the box.
Ndiaye seemed to be occupied on the wing, but drifted into the middle where he provides real danger, and along with Grealish replicating his Aston Villa days, this looks like a recipe for success.
The Toffees have got that threatening aspect about them again with this new attacking bond, and the future looks exciting.