Although it was Iliman Ndiaye who scored Everton’s first goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Jack Grealish was arguably the star of the show.
Everton fans could be forgiven for feeling a bit glum following Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.
However, back on Merseyside at their new stadium, there was plenty to celebrate for Everton supporters.
Prior to his Everton move, fans were hoping that Jack Grealish could rekindle his Aston Villa form – the England international lost a bit of his dynamism whilst playing for Manchester City.
And following Andros Townsend verdict on Grealish’s Everton switch, early signs suggest that the 29-year-old might be able to get back to his best.
Owen Hargreaves and Darren Bent react to Jack Grealish’s full Everton debut
In a full 90 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion on the left, Grealish was able to earn two assists.
And when watching the game for the Premier League, former England internationals Owen Hargreaves and Darren Bent were delighted to see Grealish back at his best.
Jack Grealish applauds Everton fans after beating Brighton in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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In reaction to Grealish’s assist for Ndiaye’s opener, Bent said: “Fantastic play, but he (Ndiaye) needs to go over and shake Grealish’s hand, because that is Jack Grealish at his absolute best.
“The moment he gets in that one to one situation, there’s only ever going to be one winner.”
In addition to Bent’s excitement to see Grealish back at his ‘absolute best’, Hargreaves said he was ‘so happy’ for the English winger, presumably because he now has the right platform to showcase his talent once again.
Hargreaves added: “It’s a terrific goal, and I’m so happy for Jack Grealish as well. It’s just a really good attacking movement.”
Iliman Ndiaye impresses in a new position for Everton
In order to accommodate Grealish on the left wing, David Moyes made the call to push Ndiaye to the right.
And the Everton forward proved his rich quality – he was still constantly dangerous throughout and he deserved his goal.
Given that Grealish was equally as effective on the left, perhaps that could be a long-term solution for Moyes.
Perhaps the biggest decision will now be picking between Beto or Thierno Barry to lead the line ahead of a trio which will also include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
But either way, it was a fantastic opening day for Everton at their new stadium, and Grealish clearly has the talent to befit such a brilliant arena.