Everton launched their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Brighton. Jack Grealish shone, Iliman Ndiaye scored the inaugural goal, and hopes for a new era flicker bright.
Everton vs Brighton Background
Sunday marked not just Everton vs Brighton, but the official opening of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, closing the 133-year chapter at Goodison Park. Everton christened their new riverside home with a commanding 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion — a result that instantly etched itself into club lore.
Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, was the catalyst — delivering two assists in his first start and seemingly rediscovering his spark. Iliman Ndiaye, fittingly, converted his cross to score the first-ever Premier League goal at the iconic new ground. James Garner added the second goal, completing a dream debut for Everton’s next chapter.
Match Highlights & Key Moments
- Iliman Ndiaye’s historic opener (23′) — Everton’s go-to forward tapped in Grealish’s pinpoint cross. Ndiaye also scored Everton’s final goal at Goodison.
- James Garner adds second (52′) — Grealish’s free-roaming creativity again effective; Garner unleashed a fierce strike from outside the box.
- Jordan Pickford’s 77′ penalty save — Denied Danny Welbeck to seal a clean sheet on this historic afternoon.
Brighton dominated early xG numbers and crafted key chances — including hitting the post — yet couldn’t convert. It was Everton’s story, their moment.
Why This Match Matters: A New Stadium, New Identity
- Hill Dickinson Stadium Stats: £750–800m construction, 52,769 capacity, modern amenities, and a centerpiece for city regeneration. It replaces Goodison Park and symbolizes Everton’s ambitions.
- Goodison Park Legacy: Everton’s spiritual home since 1892. It’s now set to become the permanent venue for Everton Women — preserving history while embracing the future.
The crowd — blue smoke, video tributes, and “Everton Way” memorial stones — blended emotion with excitement. The atmosphere was “spine-tingling.”
Jack Grealish: Reinvented, Resurgent
- A bold loan move — Grealish’s season-long shift from Man City felt like a chance to reset. On debut at the new ground, he produced two assists — his tally matching the prior two seasons combined.
- Played with passion — “I knew this was the place I wanted to come to,” he said, after the game. Moyes echoed the sentiment, noting Grealish’s regained love for the game.
What’s Next for Everton & Brighton
Everton (Blues)
- Focus: Building momentum around this new stadium, translating atmosphere into consistent results.
- Moyes has a blueprint: use stars like Grealish and strengthen identity.
Brighton (Seagulls)
- Manager Fabian Hürzeler recruited young energy and creativity.
- Despite early xG signals, they couldn’t capitalize — a pattern to correct.
Prediction redux: Many online previews tipped Brighton (2-1). Instead, Everton made history.