Grealish shines as Everton open new stadium with historic win over Brighton

As blue smoke curled over the River Mersey from the pre-match pyrotechnics, Everton embarked on a new chapter in their history – and Jack Grealish, once on the periphery at Manchester City, seized the chance to reinvent himself on Merseyside.

On a landmark afternoon, the Toffees played their first Premier League game at the stunning Hill Dickinson Stadium, leaving behind Goodison Park after 133 years.

Thousands of supporters marched from the Liver Birds at the Pier Head to their new home, determined to usher in a new era.

They were rewarded with a 2-0 win over Brighton and a performance from Grealish that reignited memories of his peak years.

The 29-year-old, Everton’s marquee summer signing on loan from City, wasted no time showing intent, in just the 23rd minute, he left Mats Wieffer trailing with a trademark driving run before delivering a pinpoint cross for Iliman Ndiaye to sweep home.

His second assist was simpler but no less significant, a neat layoff for James Garner to drill in a spectacular long-range strike.

In 52 minutes, Grealish had equalled the number of assists he produced in the past two Premier League seasons combined.

Only twice before had he registered two or more assists in a top-flight game, he might have had a third, only for Dwight McNeil to waste a golden chance late on.

But Grealish’s influence was not limited to creativity, he won possession more than any Everton player (seven times) and matched Ndiaye’s tally of three tackles, while also ranking as the team’s most progressive carrier of the ball.

For supporters and manager David Moyes alike, this was the version of Grealish they had longed to see.

The midfielder left the pitch deep into stoppage time to a standing ovation, grinning as wide as the Mersey itself.

“Brilliant, brilliant day,” Grealish told BBC Sport. “For the fans, for the club, coming into the new stadium – it was the perfect start. Assists are just as important as goals to me. When I’m here, I just want to do good things for this club.”

Moyes, back for a second spell to lead Everton into their new home, was equally buoyant.

“That’s what we’ve been hoping for and waiting for,” he said. “Jack and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave us extra quality. We played more like Everton today. It felt written in the stars.”

Everton’s relief was tangible after last week’s defeat at Leeds, as the sun shone on their new home, fans celebrated not just three points but the sense of a fresh dawn – one in which Grealish might finally reclaim his status as one of English football’s most gifted playmakers.

It was only one win, but on this historic day, it felt like so much more.