1,475 days ago, a groundbreaking happened at the Bramley Moore Dock to signal the first step on the way to a new stadium for Everton FC. Today, the first Premier League match signalled the culmination of that process and is seen by many as the new beginning with the Friedkin Group leading the team into this new era. Optimism is shining in every new seat and in every fancy upgrade from the Grand Old Lady.
To say that this new era started with a whimper last week would be an understatement. An unbalanced
team struggled from the start and took far too long to get into the match, which eventually saw the Blues fall to Leeds courtesy of a bogus penalty. Would Moyes get it right today and would the crowd at Hill Dickinson Stadium rise up and push the team forward?
Team News
Jack Grealish made his first start with Thierno Barry getting the nod up front ahead of Beto. As expected, Branthwaite and Mykolenko were missing so would it be a back three or would Garner be called upon to make another full back appearance on the left?
For Brighton, Fabian Hurzeler made only one change with Danny Welbeck being restored to the starting line-up in place of Georginio Rutter.
Match Report
The fireworks were set off and the blue smoke drifted towards Goodison Park as the teams entered the Hill Dickinson pitch for the first competitive match in our new home. An extraordinary moment for the club and the crowd was in full voice.
A fast start from the Blues with them on the ball early. Grealish riled them up further with some gutsy work in the corner to retrieve the ball. It was then Ndiaye who weaved across the pitch and got the first shot of the match which was easily saved by Verbruggen.
Brighton got onto the ball after the initial flurry from Everton with Mitoma and Baleba the focal point of their attack. A nice move from the Seagulls ended with a weak shot from Ayari. It was Mitoma who took advantage of a high Everton press when Tarkowski failed to get his head to the ball which allowed Mitoma to volley a ball goalward which deflected off the bar.
Everton were scrambling when Minteh broke down the wing and left Gueye on the ground. Thankfully, the cutback to Welbeck was behind the striker and his effort sailed over the bar. A first Everton corner was met by Barry but he could not keep his header down.
A sweeping Everton move ended up on the boot of Jack Grealish who drilled the ball across the six yard box which was met with aplomb by Iliman Ndiaye who volleyed the ball home to record the first competitive goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In the 26th minute, the crowd stood and applauded the memory of Evertonian Michael Jones, who passed away aged 26 while working on the construction of Hill Dickinson Stadium. A fitting tribute.
Brighton tried to respond quickly and it took a great block from Tim Iroegbunam to deny Welbeck. Everton drove back down the pitch and a nice move by Iroegbunam saw the young midfielder shave the outside of the post. The game was ebbing and flowing and when Brighton’s van Hecke got onto a loose ball he drove the ball goalward which deflected off Gueye and forced a great save from Pickford who pushed the ball onto his post.
Iroegbunam was then given a yellow card for a late challenge and Wieffer was then given a yellow for a challenge on Grealish. Everton were pushing for a second and when Dewsbury Hall floated a ball into O’Brien at the back post, the big Irishman could not find a blue shirt to threaten the goal.
Two minutes of added time as James Tarkowski played it back to Pickford but O’Riley was there to intercept. Pickford was called upon and he did brilliantly to save from close range! World-class goalkeeping from our No.1 to keep the Blues in front. The whistle was blown to end the half.
The second half started with Brighton withdrawing Baleba and bringing on Hinshelwood. It was quite noticeable that the Evertonians were still enjoying the food and drinks on the concourses as the match kicked off. Everton started the half strongly and it was Iroegbunam who was driving forward again which drew a foul just outside the box but Dewsbury Hall could not find a blue shirt.
The Everton crowd were on their feet when Jack Grealish laid off a pass to James Garner who drilled the ball into the corner past a sprawling Verbruggen. “Spirit of the Blues” was sung as loud as any Goodison version. Garner pumped his fist in the air to the adoring Evertonians. Grealish had two assists in a match for the first time in three years.
Everton continued to push forward and Thierno Barry was at the end of another cross but he could not get it on net. Brighton responded when Ayari cut inside and blasted a shot goalward which forced another good save from Pickford. James Garner was given a yellow card for dissent as Everton made two changes with Beto coming on for Barry and Alcaraz replacing Ndiaye. Beto was immediately on the march as he found some space down the left. He
DeCuyper and Ayari were replaced by Gomez and Kodioglu for Brighton. Tim Iroegbunam, who had played really well in the middle of the park was suffering from cramp and was withdrawn with Dwight McNeil making his first appearance of the season.
Brighton were getting more of the ball but they were not troubling the Everton goal. However, when Minteh drove the ball goalward, Dewsbury Hall attempted to block the ball but it hit his hand and a penalty was confirmed. Welbeck stood up and his shot was easily blocked by Pickford and the Evertonians rejoiced.
The final ten minutes arrived as Everton continued to thwart the Seagulls forward play and started to keep more of the ball. Jake O’Brien went down with what looked to be a muscle strain and Seamus Coleman was called to warmup. Brighton made their final substitution as Everton pushed for a third. Grealish played back a lovely ball to McNeil who miskicked the ball and Beto skied it over the top.
Seconds later, Grealish was in full flight again and he was the provider again as McNeil’s shot went narrowly wide. Seven minutes of additional time was announced as Grealish showed more silky moves for the adoring crowd. It was his last action as Harrison Armstrong replaced Grealish who accepted the standing ovation from the Hill Dickinson crowd.
Everton’s Man of the Match
Jack Grealish: It was a game that was written in the stars. After a disappointing substitute appearance last week, Grealish was in the starting lineup on the left side with Ndiaye on the right. His attacking play was more controlled and his cross to Ndiaye for Everton’s first goal was perfect. The Grealish layoff to Garner for his goal was measured.
But it wasn’t all about attack. When James Garner was beaten by Minteh, the England winger did the hard work and made a smart tackle to prevent a threatening cross. Significantly, Grealish was not taken off until after 90 minutes which was surprising considering he has not had any preseason to build up his fitness.
Instant Reaction
Today’s match was the perfect start for our new home. The crowd was loud and the excitement of the moment was equalled by the play of the team. Excellent play from Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall showed how the increase in quality was apparent and the calmness that permeated the team was on show. The rebuild is getting closer to a finished product and the change from last week was obvious.
The discontent that swirled around the team in the days after the Leeds loss drives me crazy. At the end of last season, twelve players left the team and the necessary rebuild was going to take some time. At kickoff today, there were still gaps to be filled but Moyes adapted his team and found a solution. It also has to be said that when Branthwaite and Mykolenko return, the team will improve even more. The imminent arrival of Tyler Dibling will only create even more excitement as the new era continues to take shape.
I have to say that the most disappointing thing for me was the absence of Dan Friedkin. As Goodison Park closed, I could see why Friedkin chose to take a step back to allow Goodison to shine, but today it was the start of his era. He should have been there. Evertonians would want to show their appreciation for all that has happened since the takeover. Mr. Friedkin, show up and let us show you how appreciative we are for all you have done for our club.
We have another match in midweek at the new stadium against Mansfield in the Carabao Cup. Let us build on this win and get ready for our next Premier League match at Wolves. Come on you Blues!
