Everton made the perfect start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday.
Iliman Ndiaye converted Jack Grealish’s cross to put Everton in front midway through the first half, before James Garner’s thunderous strike doubled the lead after the interval.
Grealish, handed his first start since joining on loan from Manchester City, illuminated a historic day for the Toffees by playing a decisive role in both goals that set David Moyes’ side on course for three points.
His impressive delivery was finished by Ndiaye after 23 minutes, a goal that marked the Senegal forward’s distinction of scoring Everton’s last Premier League goal at Goodison Park and their first at the new stadium.
Seven minutes into the second half, Grealish picked out Garner, who unleashed a rocket from 25 yards to extend Everton’s advantage.
Brighton, however, were left to rue missed chances, with Danny Welbeck firing over from close range, Kaoru Mitoma and Jan Paul van Hecke both striking the woodwork, and Welbeck later seeing his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.
