Everton started their life at their new waterfront base, Bramley-Moore Dock, in style with a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday. The victory welcomed the beginning of a new era for the club after saying goodbye to Goodison Park, its traditional home.
On loan from Manchester City, Jack Grealish took the chance to remind supporters of his undoubted ability. The England international, looking to rebuild his career, was the architect of both goals. His intelligent dribble into the box teed up Iliman Ndiaye for a breathtaking volley to score first after a poetic moment as Ndiaye had also scored Everton's previous goal at Goodison.
Grealish was not finished. He then laid off astutely to James Garner, whose thumping effort from distance doubled Everton's advantage. The two assists equaled Grealish's total contribution over the past two Premier League seasons combined at City, showing how determined he is to make his loan worthwhile.
While Grealish brightened the attack, there was equally inspirational goalkeeping at the other end from Jordan Pickford. The England stopper impressed the 51,759 supporters present with a penalty save from Danny Welbeck. Pickford again showed his diligent preparation, looking at his water bottle where he writes down notes on visiting penalty-takers before diving the correct way to maintain Everton's clean sheet.
The moment was met with massive applause and represented the Everton spirit that they wish to continue into this new era at Bramley-Moore Dock: resilience, grit, and aspirations.
The win was Everton's first of the campaign, following a 1-0 defeat to Leeds on the opening weekend. For the Toffees, the win was not just about three points; it was about establishing the tone for their new stadium, constructed with dreams of taking the club to new heights after decades of underachievement.
Manager Sean Dyche will have been heartened not just by the attacking flair shown by Grealish and Ndiaye but also by the defensive discipline that has so often evaded Everton in recent years.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Crystal Palace played out a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest in a game marred by off-field tensions. Palace supporters expressed their fury at UEFA and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis after their side was relegated from the Europa League to the Conference League last month for breaches of ownership.
An unfriendly environment welcomed Forest as Palace fans revealed banners and aimed chants at Marinakis. On the field, Ismaila Sarr gave Palace the lead in the 37th minute before Callum Hudson-Odoi leveled for Forest in the 57th. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo stayed in the dugout despite rumors of him losing his job.
A look now to Manchester United, who play Fulham later on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's team will seek to follow up an encouraging display, despite losing, to Arsenal last weekend as the first few weeks of the Premier League season continue to provide drama.
