The on-loan Manchester City made a perfect start to his career at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Jack Grealish of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion
Jack Grealish of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish was named man of the match as he inspired Everton to a 2-0 victory in their first competitive game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. England international Grealish started and assisted both goals as David Moyes' side beat Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.
The Birmingham-born 29-year-old, who is on loan at the Toffees from Manchester City, set up Iliman Ndiaye's first-half goal before providing for James Garner in the second half as the Blues began life in their new surroundings in some style. It was a welcome recovery for Everton after defeat in Monday's disappointing season opener against Leeds.
Jordan Pickford also saved a penalty from Danny Welbeck in the second half to ensure victory for the home side. Moyes said he was very impressed with Grealish's performance in his first start for the club.
The manager said: "Really pleased with Jack. He has done a lot of good things. I don’t know if he gave the ball away today. We’ve been looking for those attacking options and that flair, and he gave us something.
“We all want the Jack Grealish we all know, but you don’t play for the club if you haven’t got it, and Jack has certainly got it. We need him to show it more.
Jack Grealish of Everton gestures during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 24, 2025
Jack Grealish of Everton(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“He had licence to go at people, he ball-carried and his assists, especially the first one, was a little bit more of what you hope for.
“I just want Jack to be what he can be. We want him to take people on and be positive. I think the boy who we saw playing for Man City in the year they won the treble is a really exciting player, and I hope we can get him back.
“He didn’t shirk it; he didn’t want to come off at 60 minutes. He probably thinks he has something to prove.”
Grealish, who started his career at Aston Villa, looked right at home in the Royal Blue of Everton. And, like he did during his substitute appearance against Leeds on Monday, he made sure every part of his look was tailored to his new team's colours.
The attacking midfielder wore a blue bobble to keep his slicked-back, short ponytail in place. And it has not gone unnoticed.
On X (formerly Twitter) during the Leeds game, one user said: "Jack Grealish with the kit and hairband matching? Yeah, he will cook."
Reece said: "Fella next to me here “Grealish has a blue bobble; he's one of us.'"
Catherine said: "Grealish with a royal blue bobble in. Already my favourite."
With their first Premier League points under their belt, Grealish's Blues face Mansfield Town in the League Cup on Wednesday, August 27. The match against the League One side is sold out.