Former Everton star Michael Ball gives his verdict on a memorable day at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Jack Grealish is put under pressure by Mats Wieffer of Brighton during the Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Jack Grealish is put under pressure by Mats Wieffer of Brighton during the Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
David Moyes hopes Jack Grealish will be the spark that ignites his Everton attack. The early signs are positive.
For several years, and under several managers, this side has been ponderous in the final third. Circumstances have dictated tactics in some cases, but a lot of the problems that have frustrated me have been pretty basic.
Even after Moyes pulled the club away from trouble after his return in January you could see there were still issues going forward. Play was often slow, too many touches were taken and Everton just looked blunt.
Addressing that was always going to be the biggest challenge of the summer. The defence has been superb across the past few years and it is Jordan Pickford and those in front of him who have helped to make sure this club has stayed in the Premier League. Taking the pressure off them to perform every week was important, as was creating some excitement on-the-pitch as we moved into our stunning new home.
Everton were lucky in the first half. Brighton had some great opportunities to take the lead and then, after the first goal, to find a way back into the match. But they looked so much better getting forward and Grealish was key to that. Other players performed as well, including Iliman Ndiaye, but the Manchester City loanee was the catalyst.
The 29-year-old always wanted the ball and was calm and composed when he had it. He caused Brighton’s defence trouble throughout and his drive into the box for Ndiaye’s opener was key to an unforgettable moment as the net bulged and Hill Dickinson Stadium erupted.
This was just one performance and there is a long season ahead. Everton were poor at Leeds United on Monday night and could have been hurt by Brighton on Sunday. There are positives though and, with Grealish, the early signs are very good - he deserved his ovation at the end.
He added the shine to a wonderful day for this football club. I was nervous going to the ground but I quickly became caught up in the emotion of it. When I was driving through town I passed so many supporters heading in the same direction. I then watched from the first floor of the Bramley Moore pub as the crowds went inside the ground and the atmosphere began to build.
It all felt so strange. I had wanted this day for so long. When it finally arrived it almost didn’t feel real. I loved watching the sea of blue engulf the stadium as kick-off approached. I loved soaking in the atmosphere on the fan plaza too. And then when I was in my seat just before kick-off and the songs came on, and then the siren, and then the roar as the players came out… the club deserves a lot of credit for that.
After that, for all the magic of the spectacle, it was the result that mattered. And yes, Brighton had chances, and yes, Everton have plenty of room for improvement. But they got the job done and that should help to settle some nerves after the Leeds match and provide some momentum going forward. It was a great Sunday - that then became even better when I got home and watched Tommy Fleetwood win!