Everton 2-0 Brighton: Now That’s What We Call Music Vol 1

Phew! It was a magnificent day on the royal blue Mersey. Expectations were high, anticipation was palpable and the noise was inspiring. The new fortress 🏰 unleashed its cacophony of intimidation and it wasn’t disappointing. The noise is tremendous and the views are spectacular. Even the Brighton players looked delighted to be playing at the HDS, and they clearly fancied their chances.

Brighton started very well with Everton’s Tarky unusually nervy and clumsy, gifting Brighton twice , only for the Blues to be saved by the cross bar and Pickford. In between the blunders Welbeck managed to have a huge open goal howler from a yard out. Everton rode their luck to the edge.

Despite defensive frailties, going forward was a delight to watch and the talent was on full view. Barry was busy and quick up front and had a couple of half chances which on another day could have been goals. The midfield was dynamic, tough and very skilful on the ball. Ndiaye was superb on the right Dewsbury Hall (KDH) was tenacious and Grealish was back to being Grealish. He terrorized the right and was the most (as usual) fouled player on the pitch. Everton went ahead through a good move and a great run and cross from Grealish which Ndiaye smashed home from close range. The HDS erupted and the fans knew they had settled in to the new digs in style. Brighton continues to look dangerous and as mentioned should’ve equalised, but it wasn’t to be and once Everton went 2 up from a thunderous 25 yarder from Jimmy Garner the beers were already being ordered.

Second half saw Brighton have plenty of possession and Everton did go a bit quiet, however Brighton are a good outfit and it has to be expected that this team will rally and push and score.

Time was running out for the official to do Brighton a favour but luck was to hand, KDH’s right hand to be precise and whilst, never in a year of 3 o clock kickoffs this was not a penalty, in today’s world it was and so agreed VAR. No real complaints as today’s climate of penalties for unavoidable, unintentional handball is or should be a swings and roundabouts process. Everton should get their own penalty from VAR sometime in 2028.

Welbeck fancied his chances but so did Pickford, who characteristically put-psyched Welbeck and forced a poor penalty which was comfortably saved by Pickford. It wasn’t Brighton's day - fate, the spirit of Goodison and Lady Luck made it Everton’s day at the HDS. it’s was joyous for all the Blues and the appetites are whetted.

Jack Grealish walked out with his daughter for his first Premier League home game with Everton 🥹 pic.twitter.com/BSApkQ0Vgl

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 25, 2025

Defensively Everton need to improve, yes there are injuries but with no natural fullbacks available the vulnerabilities were clear.

What next for Everton - Dibling is on and there’s rumours of Gerrard Bowen joining the ranks before end of next week. Those two and a decent rightback could put Everton right uin the mix.

Keep watching …UTFT 💙⚽️