Everton 2-0 Brighton
at Bramley-Moore Dock
by James Nalton

IT WAS fitting that Iliman Ndiaye, the scorer of Everton’s final goal at Goodison Park, was also the scorer of the first goal at Everton’s impressive new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as the hosts celebrated their housewarming party with victory against Brighton.

Also fitting was the provider of the assist. If Ndiaye has been the light at the end of the tunnel for Everton during their recent struggles, then the arrival of Jack Grealish, who set up his goal, offers hope that they might just be emerging from it.

Everton’s activity in the transfer market suggests they are recovering financially, too. Profitability and sustainability rules and subsequent penalties, including points deductions, had put a hold on their spending in recent years.

Prior to this summer’s transfer window, the last time Everton spent more on players coming in than they received on players going out was the 2020/21 season.

This summer, however, they have spent around £80 million on new players, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and striker Thierno Barry both costing over £25m. Grealish arrives on loan from Man City, with Everton contributing around £11m to his salary.

And Everton might not be done yet. They have been strongly linked with Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, the promising 19-year-old who could command a transfer fee of around £40m.

If the English wonderkid arrives, David Moyes will have some of the most entertaining attacking players in the league at his disposal.

Brighton had their own chances to become the first team to score in this stadium. Kaoru Mitoma skimmed the top of the bar having set himself up for a volley, while Danny Welbeck scooped one over from close range, partly because Yankuba Minteh’s cross was too far behind him.

There are always questions around what the atmosphere will be like at new stadiums, but there was an answer to this when James Garner blasted in Everton’s second goal from a Grealish lay-up. The subsequent celebrations gave an indication of how loud this stadium could be.

It was Grealish’s second assist of the day, but his tackling and work off the ball were appreciated just as much as his creativity. One particular tackle in his own area on Minteh was vital.

Jordan Pickford entertained between the posts in his own inimitable way. He made some important saves, not least a penalty stop from Welbeck after a dubious Dewsbury-Hall handball, and emerged from his line to punch crosses clear. Everton’s goalkeeping superhero.

As the sun shone through the north stand windows of Bramley-Moore Dock, Everton’s waterfront stadium welcomed a hopeful new era. Grealish received a standing ovation and his name was sung by the Everton fans as he was subbed off in added time.

Regardless of future results, given some of the players Everton have, and hope to sign before the transfer window shuts, those attending games at this new venue are guaranteed some entertainment.