Everton Football Club inaugurated their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a resounding 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The match, filled with emotion and anticipation, saw new signing Jack Grealish play a pivotal role, contributing two assists in a man-of-the-match performance.

The Toffees' faithful, having bid farewell to their beloved Goodison Park, embraced their new dockside home with equal fervor. The atmosphere was electric as they witnessed Iliman Ndiaye etch his name in history, scoring the first-ever Premier League goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the 23rd minute. Grealish, drifting in from the left, delivered a precise cross that Ndiaye met perfectly to guide the ball home.

Brighton, however, did not make it easy for the home side. Kaoru Mitoma nearly stunned the crowd with a spectacular volley that struck the crossbar, and Danny Welbeck missed an open goal from Yankuba Minteh's cross. Despite Brighton's efforts, Everton maintained their lead, carrying a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The second half saw Everton extend their lead in the 52nd minute through a stunning strike from James Garner. Grealish was again instrumental, linking up with Idrissa Gueye on the left before laying the ball off for Garner, who unleashed an unstoppable shot past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton were presented with a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty. Minteh's close-range effort was adjudged to have struck the hand of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. However, Jordan Pickford proved to be the hero, saving Danny Welbeck's penalty to preserve Everton's clean sheet. Pickford's penalty save was his eighth in the Premier League since 2017/18, a record bettered only by Lukasz Fabianski.

Grealish's performance was a major talking point, with many observers noting his immediate impact on the team. On loan from Manchester City, Grealish showcased the flair and creativity that made him a £100 million signing. His two assists in this match equaled his total from his previous 31 Premier League appearances. He almost secured a hat-trick of assists, but Dwight McNeil scuffed his late chance.

Speaking after the game, Grealish expressed his delight at the win and the opportunity to play in the new stadium. "It was massive. First game at the new stadium and we wanted to put on a show for the supporters, and I think we certainly did that," he said.

Everton's victory was not just a celebration of their new home, but also a sign of brighter things to come. With new signings like Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall integrated into the squad, and under the guidance of manager David Moyes, Everton fans have reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.