Grealish Shines as Everton Claim Victory in New Stadium Opener
Everton got off to a perfect start in their first league match at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jack Grealish playing a starring role. The 29-year-old joined Everton on loan from Manchester City to reignite his international prospects after a frustrating season at the Etihad, where he started just seven league games and was left out of England’s squad for last year’s European Championship.
Manager David Moyes praised Grealish’s performance, recalling the excitement he showed during Manchester City’s treble-winning season. “The boy we saw at City is a really exciting player. I hope he can get back to that form,” Moyes said.
“He didn’t shy away from the challenge. He wanted to prove himself, stayed on the pitch, and showed he’s the real deal. He probably has something to prove.”
Grealish rewarded his manager’s faith with two assists—the same number he had managed in his previous 49 league appearances for City—earning a warm round of applause from the home crowd when he was substituted in the final minutes.
“I told him to take players on, make things happen, and he did just that,” Moyes added. “He’s given us something different today—some flair and attacking options we’ve been looking for. Really pleased with Jack.”
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also played a crucial role, saving a 77th-minute penalty from Danny Welbeck after a handball by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. “Jordan possibly changed the outcome of the game for us,” Moyes said. “It would have been a tough period if they scored. He drives me mad at times with his kicking, but ultimately, he’s there to make saves—and today he made a huge one.”
The win marked a memorable start in Everton’s new home, opening exactly 133 years after the club first played at Goodison Park. Moyes described the occasion as “joyful.”
“To win the first game in the new stadium is fantastic,” he said. “But today, I was really thinking about all the people who worked tirelessly to make this stadium a reality. This win was for them.”
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