Jack Grealish shines, 4/10 flops – Everton player ratings vs Brighton
Everton officially opened Hill Dickinson Stadium in style with a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.
There was plenty of anticipation amongst supporters – not to mention some nerves – as they began this new era on the banks of the River Mersey, after leaving their spiritual home of Goodison Park. Especially after the dismal 1-0 defeat to Leeds to start the new season.
That seemed to reflect on the pitch, with David Moyes‘ men making some defensive errors and only narrowly escaping going behind on multiple occasions.
But the Toffees eventually settled, with Jack Grealish pulling the strings to provide goals for Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner to give supporters a memorable afternoon.
Here are the full Everton player ratings from a triumphant day at their new stadium.
Jordan Pickford spares Everton’s blushes
Jordan Pickford – 9
Made a few important saves as Everton continued to make defensive mistakes, despite their dominance. An expert at penalties and proved that once again to deny Danny Welbeck and preserve his clean sheet.
Jake O’Brien – 7
Very much a functional option at right-back, but the Irish giant continues to fill the role well defensively. Made two tackles and won all four of his aerial duels here (FotMob).
James Tarkowski – 4
Nowhere near his usually reliable best, almost letting Brighton in with a couple of huge losses of concentration.
Michael Keane – 6
Did the basics well, making nine clearances and winning four of his six duels. However, Everton always look less settled with him in the side, with a mistake seemingly just around the corner.
James Garner hits Hill Dickinson rocket
James Garner – 8
Didn’t look comfortable defensively, being dribbled past four times as he played out of position against Brighton’s biggest threat in Yankuba Minteh. But Garner more than made up for it with his work on the ball. creating two chances and, of course, scoring an absolute rocket to make it 2-0.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 6
Got lucky with a mistake on his own byline, watching Danny Welbeck shank the subsequent chance over the bar from close range. Recovered well to offer Everton a steady presence through the middle, as he so often does.
Tim Iroegbunam – 7
Walks a tightrope with his aggressive play, which was why he was brought off in the final quarter having picked up a yellow card. And at times, he looks unrefined and unpredictable on the ball. But then, that often plays into Iroegbunam’s favour, with the opposition having no idea what he’s going to do. Caused plenty of havoc, was the most fouled player on the pitch (3) and came close to scoring in the first half after a driving run forward.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8
Looks a real class act in midfield for the Toffees, completing all but four of his passes and creating three chances, while winning four of his five ground duels. Unlucky to give away a penalty for handball as he launched himself at Minteh’s shot late on.
Iliman Ndiaye – 8
The man who scored the last-ever goal at Goodison Park opened the scoring at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Ndiaye remains one of Everton’s aces even after the Grealish signing, and he proved it in the first half here with his goal, while proving a constant menace. Ran out of steam after the break.
Thierno Barry – 4
Missed a couple of very good opportunities and was sloppy with the ball throughout. Worked hard and made some good runs, but needs a lot of work to adjust to the Premier League.
Jack Grealish is back
Jack Grealish – 9
Jack Grealish doing Jack Grealish things. It’s a glorious sight to see after his struggles at Manchester City. The winger was at the heart of everything Everton did well on Sunday, not least providing the assist for both their goals. His trademark turn of pace and cross for the opener was particularly pleasing.
Carlos Alcaraz (on for Ndiaye, 64′) – 5
Put himself about when he came on without doing too much of note.
Beto (on for Barry, 64′) – 5
Continues to be one of the most untidy strikers in the Premier League, but you can’t fault his work rate and battling qualities.
Dwight McNeil (on for Iroegbunam, 71′) – 5
Picked up a few dangerous positions but failed to hit the target with two shots.
Harrison Armstrong (on for Grealish, 90+4) – N/A
Brought on in stoppage time.