Everton

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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Decades in the making, Sunday afternoon's Premier League curtain raiser at Hill Dickinson Stadium was our reward after years of false promises, false dawns and torment.

It was a day that started hours before the referee's first whistle.

New routines and traditions were being established. From enjoying multiple coffees and Italian lagers in nearby Caffe Riccardo to sampling the food fayre on offer at the fan plaza - it was a day for all things new.

The walk up Regent Road had the feel of a festival of Evertonians. An ocean of blue congregated to celebrate the birth of a new era.

You could be forgiven for forgetting there was a game of football to be played. With so much to see and experience, kick off crept up with almost an element of surprise - for me at least.

After navigating a snaking queue to the turnstile and a sprint up the countless number of steps, the first glimpse of the sun-soaked turf and royal blue frame was simply breathtaking.

The siren, Z-Cars and first roar were goosebump-inducing. It instantly felt like home.

It was somewhat poetic that Iliman Ndiaye had the honour of scoring the first competitive goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium, after being the last man to score at Goodison Park.

Our talisman from last season, complemented by the supreme Jack Grealish, was a joy to watch at times.

The latter reminded everyone of his qualities. Brighton defenders were petrified of him. The reception afforded to him when he was withdrawn late on was nothing short of deserved.

His presence is an indication of where our club is heading.

His signing raised many surprised eyebrows. Going forward, similar additions will hopefully become the norm.

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We asked for your views on Everton's £40m signing Tyler Dibling.

Here are some of your comments:

Andy: We've needed more right-sided players and Dibling has bags of ability. With the talent around him now he'll want to up his game to match them. All we need is more right-sided players, but you have to say this is Everton's most exciting attacking line up in the last five years.

Magnus: Everton are clearly recruiting for the future. It is a bit of a risk when you have a manager that normally prefers experience to youth and needs to stabilise the club. If it works out and they have the potential that we pay for; Europe here we come.

Graham: Not really seen enough to be convinced he is the real deal. There is the 'English' premium paid, but it does seem a lot for half a good season (albeit in a woeful side). Would rather have spent £40m plus on Jarrod Bowen.

Tony: He's young and has bags of potential. Forget what is read about him falling away last season. He played under a number of different managers and teams where relegation was practically guaranteed last August. Give him two years under Moyes and he'll be a much improved and established Premier League player. The 20% sell on clause speaks volumes.

Andy: If he fulfils his potential, we will have a cracking player who we either keep or sell at a substantial profit in the future. Good signing for us, and good to see we didn't cave in to Southampton's ridiculous initial tactics and pricing. He'll learn a lot from Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye and Grealish.

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

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Everton confirmed the signing of Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling on Monday night. While the fee of an initial £35m is significantly less than the south coast club demanded earlier in the window, it still makes Dibling Everton's third-most expensive signing – but where will he play?

Some 76% of the England Under-21 international's 1,874 Premier League minutes have come at right wing, which was a position Everton had been desperate to fill – until Iliman Ndiaye's impressive performance out of position in the 2-0 triumph against Brighton on Sunday, during which he dovetailed so effectively with Jack Grealish.

While David Moyes has expressed his pleasure at signing Dibling for a reduced fee, his arrival could give the Everton manager a headache in the short term until he decides on his preferred starting XI, with Dibling, Ndiaye, Grealish, Carlos Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil all capable of playing out wide.

Dibling did spend 13% of his top-flight playing time at Southampton operating as a false nine but given Moyes' preference for a target man to build counter-attacks, it seems unlikely that Dibling will play in such an advanced role for the Toffees.

Number 10 has also been mooted as a possible position but he has barely played in a central attacking midfield role at the highest level.

The quandary is far from an unpleasant one for Everton supporters, who can look forward to watching an attack which now boasts multiple players comfortable at running with the ball.

Dibling ranked in the top 10 of all Premier League players last season for dribbles completed per 90 minutes, and in the top six for ending a carry by taking on an opposing player. Wherever the new arrival plays, Everton should become more entertaining as a result - according to Moyes.

"We are eager to build a team that Evertonians can enjoy watching and be proud of, and Tyler can help us achieve that," he added.

Watch former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott discuss Jack Grealish's first Everton start in which he assisted two goals in a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.

"We all want to see Jack Grealish playing with a smile, that's when he plays with that freedom and energy," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"When he got this move I thought it was perfect. You have to allow him to express himself and I think David Moyes will.

"He is a player who will attract other players to that football club."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Matt Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

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Are Tyler Dibling and Everton the perfect match?

Such was his impact for Southampton during the first half of his debut Premier League season, he was hailed as a generational talent and linked with a £100m move to top-six clubs.

Fast forward seven months and the 19-year-old has been the subject of multiple rejected bids, before finally being signed by Everton for significantly less.

So are the Toffees getting a bargain for a young player with a high ceiling, or was Dibling overhyped in the early stages of a campaign which produced just two Premier League goals and no assists?

First, the teenage talent only has two years left on his current contract, meaning the astronomical price tag mentioned in January has subsequently reduced.

Dibling, who made his Premier League debut under former Saints boss Russell Martin in August last year, also suffered from a drop-off in form in the second half of 2024-25.

This can be partly attributed to the sacking of Martin in December and the subsequent shift to a more defensive approach under Ivan Juric and then Simon Rusk - a style of play simply not suited to Dibling's attacking instincts.

But there is no doubt he is a signing based predominantly on potential. Martin, himself, admitted the England Under-21 international "needs the right kind of style and environment to thrive".

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New Everton signing Tyler Dibling says the chance to player under David Moyes, who he believes is the "perfect" manager for his development, was a key factor behind his choice to make the move from Southampton.

The 19-year-old winger has agreed terms on a four-year contract until June 2029 in a deal worth an initial £35m, plus £5m in add-ons.

"It's the perfect match because of where the club is right now," Dibling said.

"The fans here are unreal, and it has a family feel to it. It was the perfect fit and it was a no-brainer to join.

"The manager is perfect for me. He's helped so many players before who were in my position. I've spoken to him and I know he's going to be good for me.

"My aim for this season is just to play as many games as I can and to help the team as much as I can with goals and assists. As a team, hopefully we can have a good season and see where it goes."

Moyes said Dibling is a "talented young English player" with "lots of potential".

"Tyler adds to our attacking options and we will support him in his future development," he added.

"We are eager to build a team Evertonians can enjoy watching and be proud of, and Tyler can help us achieve that."

What do you make of the move? Where do you think Dibling will fit into Everton's team under Moyes?

Get in touch with your views here

West Ham have rejected an offer from Everton for 30-year-old Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek. (Times - subscription required, external)

Nathan Patterson is wanted by Sevilla, who are exploring a loan deal for the Blues defender. (Liverpool Echo, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

We have been getting plenty of questions from you via our 'Ask about Everton' form about transfer business, particularly on why the Blues so often seem to miss out on their first-choice targets to rivals, and whether that reflects how players view the club right now.

The first thing to point out is that Everton have secured transfer targets that were high on manager David Moyes' wanted list, such as Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibliing, who will shortly arrive from Southampton. It is a bit harsh to suggest they regularly miss out.

I think one of the major factors against them when they have gone in for players this summer - and sources say they have targeted some very high-profile figures - is that so many clubs in the Premier League can offer European football.

They were interested in Lyon's Belgian winger Malick Fofana, but he believes he may yet attract a big club playing in Europe this season.

Moyes also made a pitch to Liam Delap when he left Ipswich Town, but reality suggested that with a number of clubs interested, he would go elsewhere. He eventually joined Chelsea, who are, of course, in the Champions League.

Everton thought they had a deal in place for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete, only for him to stay at Craven Cottage when he was offered an improved contract.

They are still in the market for a right-back and a defensive midfield player, so expect more activity before the deadline.

But if you want to pinpoint one particular reason targets have gone elsewhere, it is that Everton have not been able to offer the lure of European football.

I certainly would not regard Everton as an unfashionable club, especially with ambitious new owners The Friedkin Group and a magnificent new stadium on the Mersey waterfront.

And, as we have seen with other clubs - even those who are in Europe - it is often very difficult to secure first-choice transfer targets.

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Wayne Rooney has been speaking about Jack Grealish getting off to a good start at Everton on a new episode of The Wayne Rooney Show: "I really liked that in the first few minutes of the game when there was an opportunity for him to get at the full-back and the full-back tackled him, he came back and he put an aggressive tackle in and won the ball back. And you could see the reaction from the crowd, they were all up on their feet.

"And they're big moments, they create the atmosphere at stadiums. And from there, he obviously worked his way into the game, got his two assists, which I think is good for him because it'll give him lot of confidence.

"He hasn't played a lot of football of late and to get that full game in his belt and two assists, I think that'll only benefit him and obviously Everton moving forward."

On the first game at Everton's new stadium: "I think the fans really made a conscious effort to make sure that it was a bang straight away... the fans are all there singing and the atmosphere looked great. They played a massive part in making it a historic day for the club.

"It's not like if you look at the Emirates, which is a lovely stadium, it's all just the same the whole way around. It has got a bit more character, one end is a bit different to the other end behind the goal and it just gives you that little bit of quirkiness which makes it a little bit different and stand out."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Everton started Premier League life at their magnificent new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey with their first victory of the season against Brighton.

And it was fitting that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, such a significant figure in keeping Everton in the Premier League in recent seasons, played a key role with the late penalty save from Danny Welbeck that snuffed out any Albion hopes of a late revival.

Rob Green and Troy Deeney broke down Pickford's process of saving the penalty on Sunday's Match of the Day...

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Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Everton will need "to be more adventurous" in their playing style if they are to get the best out of Jack Grealish.

The on-loan summer signing shone in the game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and registered two assists as the Blues beat Brighton 2-0.

There is wide-scale hope that Grealish can get his career back on track under David Moyes and there were some very promising signs on Sunday.

"If you look at Moyes and his history as a manager, then you will know he always plays to his strengths," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Grealish works hard off the ball, but to get the best out of him then you need him high up the pitch.

"That means Moyes might need to encourage his team to be more adventurous and play a riskier high line. They did that and got caught out twice but wasteful Brighton didn't take their opportunity.

"That is the risk you have to take because it meant you had Grealish at his best with freedom on the left-hand side.

"Brighton also had to double up on him, which created opportunities and openings for other players."

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Neil: It's a win, though clearly still a lot of work to do and we were not convincing at times in the game. However, there were also a lot of positives to be taken, Pickford as reliable as ever, Grealish and Ndiaye showed what they can do together on the pitch. I think we need more games and clearly a couple of new faces. Great result in our new home!

Gary: This one's for the squad players! Michael Keane, James Garner both brilliant. Gueye superb and Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall added some quality. Great day.

Anton: Much like our last match at Goodison Park, our first match at Hill Dickinson Stadium was only about winning. The performance was better than Monday night but, to be fair, it was difficult for it to be worse. Grealish showed his class, Iroegbunam was very, very good and we scored two nice goals. Let's hope we can still bring in two or three more before the close of the transfer window to set us up for a comfortable season.

Brighton fans

Alfie: Another one of those games for Brighton that's just been a case of wasted chances. Yes, you could say it's one of those days but 'those days' seem to be happening more often than not! If we want Europe we need to learn how to kill a game.

Angry Seagull: That was diabolical. Too slow, missed chances and just embarrassing. To only get one point from six against two teams we should easily beat is very concerning. Dock them all a month's wages after this performance!

Marc: How we didn't win 4-2 suggests it's the same old story of not taking our chances. The squad seems to be unbalanced and we are waiting on our Greek boys to get up to speed. Our forward options were exposed - we didn't have any.

Pundits Troy Deeney and Rob Green join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest

• Everton 2-0 Brighton

• Fulham 1-1 Manchester United

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Everton were celebrating a new chapter in their long-running story with their first Premier League game since leaving Goodison Park - and only victory would have crowned an occasion that has been many years in the making.

If not yet carrying the atmosphere and hostility of their great old arena, this vast state of the art stadium was a cauldron of sound and colour in the build up to kick-off.

Everton displayed early nerves, but Jack Grealish delivered exactly what David Moyes wanted when he delivered the cross which saw Iliman Ndiaye arrive at the far post to score.

Grealish excited Everton's fans with his willingness to take on Brighton defenders - a quality which often seemed lost in his latter days at Manchester City - offering them a cutting edge rarely seen in the defeat at Leeds United.

It was his pass that set up James Garner for Everton's second, although this was very much a bit part to the rifled finish that flew past Bart Verbruggen.

And it was fitting that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, such a significant figure in keeping Everton in the Premier League in recent seasons, played a key role with the late penalty save from Danny Welbeck that snuffed out any Brighton hopes of a late revival.

The performance may not have been perfect for Everton but winning was all that mattered and the day ended in scenes of joyous celebration in the club's new home.

David Moyes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Everton' victory against Brighton: "I think we all wanted that [to get a win] and when you play Brighton it isn't enjoyable because they are a really good football team. We got over the line, we are Everton and we do that quite a lot. We added some quality, the quality probably stood out today at the right moments when we needed it."

On Brighton's chances: "Brighton had great chances in the first half but they didn't take them and we did. It's the tight margins in football. We are improving as a football team and I don't want us to lose the heart and soul of Everton, I want us to keep working hard and be competitive which we were today."

On improvement from Leeds game: "Against Leeds we lost narrowly to a poor decision. We didn't play well but that's how close it was. Today we are still improving. We have a makeshift back four at the moment because we don't have any defenders. They deserve a lot of credit to get a result against Brighton today especially with the players we had out defensively."

On Jack Grealish: "That's what we have been hoping for and waiting for. We want to add that extra quality and that's what we are trying to do. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] and Jack both played exceptionally well. We are thrilled we are adding a bit more quality and we need to score some more goals which we did today."

On Jordan Pickford: "Some of his decisions are a bit strange at times and have got me pulling my hair out but he's a top goalkeeper and that's why he has been England's best goalkeeper and still is. You need people who can make big decisions and you need your goalkeeper to save a penalty when it is required."

On the first day at the Hill Dickinson Stadium: "It was brilliant, it is something we all hoped would come around some day. Someone will be standing here interviewing a manager here in 100 years time, we'll be well gone but we started it off today and I hope that the history of the future will be talked about a lot."

Listen to Moyes' chat with BBC Radio Merseyside here

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Everton summer signing Jack Grealish spoke to Sky Sports after making his full debut against Brighton "It was massive. First game at the new stadium and we wanted to put on a show for the supporters. Very happy to get the win.

"It's massive. I loved my time at Man City and I had a great four years there and won a lot of things. Ss soon as I spoke to David Moyes on FaceTime, I wanted to come here and today shows why.

"I said yesterday that the manager hadn't played us [Iliman Ndiaye] together in training. Today is the first time."

Goalscorer Ndiaye added: "It was very special. We didn't begin the Premier League well last weekend but it felt good to come here and give the fans what they deserve.

On his partnership with Grealish: "It could be great. Jack is an amazing player, we all know that. He assisted me for the first goal and the second goal. It could be very good this season."

Listen to more from Grealish on his full Everton debut and his team's first win of the season

Did you know?

• For just the third time in the Premier League, Jack Grealish recorded 2+ assists in a match (also 3 vs Liverpool in October 2020 & 2 vs Leeds United in December 2022), whilst his two assists today was as many as across his prior two league campaigns combined.

• Iliman Ndiaye became Everton's first ever Premier League scorer at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having also been the Toffees' final scorer at Goodison Park in May.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Everton's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Everton's highest profile summer signing Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, gets his first start after coming on as a late substitute at Leeds United.

And there is also a first start for France under-21 striker Thierno Barry, signed from Villarreal in a £27m deal this summer, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall makes his home Premier League debut after his £28m arrival from Chelsea.

Everton manager David Moyes will look to that trio to provide inspiration after a dismal display at Elland Road.

Everton XI: Pickford, Keane, Tarkowski, Ndiaye, Barry, O'Brien, Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye, Garner, Iroegbunam.

Subs: Travers, McNeil, Beto, Chermiti, Coleman, Alcaraz, Aznou, Armstrong, Onyango.

Fabian Hurzeler has restored Danny Welbeck to the line-up in place of Georginio Rutter.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Minteh, Baleba, Welbeck, Mitoma, Ayari, Wieffer, De Cuyper, O'Riley.

Subs: Steele, Gruda, Hinshelwood, Boscagli, Milner, Kadioglu, Gomez, Veltman, Coppola.

There are three games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Brighton (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Man Utd (16:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

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I've said this on many occasions. Everton overachieved last season. It's painted a false picture as to where they currently are.

They didn't offer a lot the other night against Leeds. Sorry, Everton fans, but I've just got a feeling Brighton will play party poopers in the first Premier League game at your new stadium.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here