Jack Grealish stole the spotlight in Everton’s electrifying 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, marking a memorable Premier League debut at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 24, 2025. The 29-year-old midfielder, on loan from Manchester City, delivered a dazzling performance, setting up two goals in a display that reignited his career and drew widespread praise. Among those celebrating Grealish’s heroics was Arsenal star Declan Rice, whose heartfelt message to his England teammate underscored the camaraderie and excitement surrounding Everton’s emphatic win. As Grealish basks in the glow of his resurgence, Rice’s words and the electric atmosphere at Goodison Park signal a new chapter for both player and club.
The match itself was a defining moment for Everton, who bounced back from an opening-day defeat to newly promoted Leeds United. Under David Moyes’ stewardship, the Toffees showcased resilience and flair, with Grealish at the heart of their attacking verve. He laid on a precise assist for Iliman Ndiaye’s opener and followed it with a perfectly weighted pass for James Garner’s stunning long-range strike. Grealish nearly had a third assist, crafting a golden opportunity for Dwight McNeil, who failed to convert from close range. The former Aston Villa captain’s influence was undeniable, earning him rapturous applause from the Everton faithful as he exited in stoppage time. “Phwoaaar, what a Sunday that is,” Grealish posted on Instagram after the game, his enthusiasm palpable. “What a feeling to make my home debut and get our first win of the season. The stadium, the fans, the passion. And thank you to the fans for such a nice reception. Incredible.”
Declan Rice, watching his international teammate shine, was quick to respond, commenting “buzzing for you” alongside a heart emoji on Grealish’s post. The gesture highlighted the strong bond between the two England stars, who have shared the Three Lions dressing room through highs and lows, including a controversial Nations League win over Ireland in 2024. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers also chimed in, calling Grealish “my brother” with a blue heart emoji, reflecting the widespread admiration for his performance. The victory was secured despite a tense moment when Jordan Pickford saved a penalty from Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, preserving Everton’s clean sheet and ensuring Grealish’s contributions were the headline story.
Grealish’s move to Everton on loan has been a lifeline for a player whose time at Manchester City had grown stagnant. After struggling for minutes under Pep Guardiola, where he managed just one Premier League assist in each of the past two seasons, the switch to Merseyside has offered him a fresh start. Moyes, known for reviving careers, has given Grealish the creative freedom he craved, and the results were immediate. “I absolutely loved my time at Man City, won a lot of things,” Grealish said post-match, his voice tinged with emotion. “I felt it was time for a change and as soon as I spoke to David Moyes on FaceTime, I wanted to come.” His partnership with Ndiaye, who praised Grealish as “an amazing player,” showed early promise, despite the pair not training together extensively. “The manager hasn’t played us once together in training,” Grealish revealed, laughing. “I said yesterday is there any chance?”
The win was more than just a personal triumph for Grealish—it was a historic moment for Everton, marking their first Premier League match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Moyes, reflecting on the day, expressed pride in his team’s spirit: “Very proud. Everybody who manages against Brighton will tell you how difficult it is to play against them.” He acknowledged Grealish’s impact, noting, “Jack’s got a couple assists today and Ili’s got a goal. We need to score more goals and have more attacking intent.” For Grealish, the performance was a step toward reviving his England career, having been omitted from the last six Three Lions squads. With 39 caps and a World Cup looming, his display against Brighton could catch the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Statistically, Grealish’s commitment was evident. He recorded the fifth-most touches in the game, created three scoring chances, and led all outfield players with seven recoveries, proving he’s willing to graft defensively—a trait less prominent during his City days. Everton’s option to buy him for £50 million at the end of his loan looms large, but if Grealish maintains this form, other clubs may enter the race. For now, Rice’s message and the roaring support of Everton’s fans have given Grealish a renewed sense of purpose, setting the stage for a potential career-defining season on Merseyside.
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