Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford were the heroes as Everton celebrated the opening of their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a win over Brighton this afternoon.
Grealish, who joined the Toffees on loan from Manchester City 12 days ago, created both goals on his home debut while Pickford made a string of important saves, including a penalty stop from Danny Welbeck late on, to see Everton home.
Iliman Ndiaye earned the distinction of becoming the first goalscorer at the new stadium – he also grabbed Everton’s last goal at Goodison Park – with James Garner adding a second as Brighton rued an inability to convert their numerous chances.
Brighton boss opening stages
The win was much needed for the home side, who started their campaign with a limp 1-0 defeat at Leeds on Monday night.
They rode their luck in the first half with Brighton looking dangerous every time they came forward.
Kaoru Mitoma had their first serious chance after 17 minutes, latching on to a long ball that caused uncertainty for James Tarkowski.
The Japan international cleverly lifted the bouncing ball over Tarkowski’s head and then fired in a volley that clipped Pickford’s bar on the way over.
Makeshift left-back Garner was struggling to contain Yankuba Minteh and the Gambian escaped his clutches once again a minute later but his low cross was behind Welbeck and the former England man could only scoop his shot over from six yards.
Ndiaye makes history for Everton
Everton were struggling to get out but when they did it resulted in the opening goal.
Ndiaye started and finished the move with some great play in midfield and then burst forward to get into the box to volley home Grealish’s left-wing centre.
Brighton continued to push but their luck remained out. Jan Paul van Hecke crashed a deflected shot against the post while Pickford had to dig out Tarkowski after a dismal pass back played in Matt O’Riley. O’Riley pushed the ball round Pickford but the England international did superbly to get up and keep the shot out.
Everton doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half, Grealish laying the ball back for Garner to hammer a drive past Bart Verbruggen from 20 yards.
Minteh continued to cause problems and it was his shot that led to the penalty with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adjudged to have handled.
Welbeck stepped up but never looked convincing and his weak shot to Pickford’s left was easily smothered.
Substitute Beto ought to have made it three for Everton but the boisterous celebrations at the final whistle were not long in coming.
