Everton were handed somewhat of a rude awakening in their first match of the new Premier League season, losing to a late penalty against Leeds United at Elland Road in their season opener.
The Blues' lacklustre performance west Yorkshire last time out highlighted their desperate need for reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.
The visit of Brighton to to the Hill Dickinson stadium saw new signings, Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry pick up their first starts for the club, and their impacts were felt instantly.
Despite early pressure from the visitors, David Moyes' side seemed to attack with much more fluidity in the early stages.
The home side would make the breakthrough 23 minutes in, with quick build up play leading to Grealish playing a pin-point cross into the box for Illiman Ndiaye to tap home.
That strike makes the Senegalese International the last player to score at Goodison Park and also the first player to score at Hill Dickinson stadium in the Premier League.
Everton would get a second just after half time, with Grealish this time turning provider for James Garner, whose low strike evaded Bart Verbruggen in the Brighton goal.
The away side were awarded a penalty late on resulting from the referee deeming a Yankuba Minteh shot to have hit the arm of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
However, Jordan Pickford would guess right and save Danny Welbeck's penalty with relative ease, retaining his side's two-goal lead.
That is how the game would end, despite some late chances for the home side to increase their lead.
Here are the EvertonPlayer Ratings**** from their 2-0 win over Brighton:
Jordan Pickford - 8
A penalty save and a clean-sheet capped off a good performance for England's number 1, although his distribution left a bit to be desired early on.
Jake O'Brien - 6.5
Was given a tough task marking Kaoru Mitoma but dealt with the pressure reasonably well despite being caught for pace on a few occasions.
James Tarkowski - 5
Nearly cost his side two goals and looked uncharacteristically sloppy throughout the game. Looks far more comfortable playing alongside the currently-injured Jarrad Branthwaite.
Michael Keane - 7
One of the Englishman's better performances of late for Everton, looked a lot more composed than his centre-back partner on the day.
James Garner - 8
Defended really well against the tricky Minteh down Brighton's right and took his goal superbly well.
One of his best performances in an Everton shirt.
Tim Iroegbunam - 6.5
The midfielder offered a fair bit going forward but was bypassed far too easily in transition.
Idrissa Gana-Gueye - 7
Yet another solid performance from the 35-year-old. His ability to break-up play really helped Everton hit Brighton on the counter in several situations.
His passing left a bit to be desired, though, on occasion.
Illiman Ndiaye - 7.5
Grabbed the first goal at the new ground and was arguably the best player on the pitch for the first half an hour. Seemed tired in the second half and was rightly replaced, but still played well.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 7
Every piece of good attacking play seemed to go through the former Chelsea man, a goal or assist would have capped off a very good home debut.
Jack Grealish - 8 (MOTM)
The England International epitomised everything the blues had been missing in recent seasons, a winger with a desire to take on their man and create chances.
Two assists in his first start for the club is a good omen for what's to come.
Thierno Barry - 6
The Frenchman struggled for anything in the way of chances, but got into some good areas and provided decent hold-up play for Everton's opener.
Substitutes
Charly Alcaraz - 6
Beto - 6.5
Dwight McNeil - 6.5
Harrison Armstrong - 6
It's back to Hill Dickinson stadium for Everton next, with the visit of Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup 2nd Round on Wednesday.
David Moyes will still be wanting to bring in additions to his squad before the transfer deadline next week.