On August 24, 2025, Everton Football Club ushered in a historic new chapter with a resounding victory at their breathtaking Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, a 52,888-capacity masterpiece on Liverpool’s waterfront. The Toffees’ 2-0 triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion was a fitting inauguration for their state-of-the-art home, with new signing Jack Grealish stealing the show. The former Manchester City star, on loan and making his debut, delivered a performance brimming with flair, providing two assists that ignited the crowd and set the tone for a memorable day. This victory, under the stewardship of manager David Moyes, marked a perfect start to Everton’s bold new era.
The atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as the new ground is officially named, was nothing short of electric. Fans, who had bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park after 133 years, poured their passion into creating a cauldron of noise. “As soon as I spoke to the manager on FaceTime, I knew this was the place I wanted to come,” Grealish said post-match, his enthusiasm reflecting the infectious energy of the day. His impact was immediate, setting up Iliman Ndiaye’s opener with a precise pass before laying off for James Garner, who smashed a low drive past Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to make it 2-0. “There were a lot of reasons why I wanted to come here – and today shows why,” Grealish added, his words capturing the synergy between player and club.
Grealish’s performance was a masterclass in creativity and grit. His ability to dictate play from the left flank, combined with a tenacious tackle that won back possession early in the game, endeared him to the Everton faithful. “Grealish looks his old self,” one observer noted, praising his return to the form that made him an England international. His two assists were pivotal, but it was Jordan Pickford’s penalty save that sealed the victory, ensuring a clean sheet and a dream start for Moyes’ side. The manager’s decision to pursue Grealish, a months-long endeavor, paid dividends, as the 28-year-old’s flair and work rate embodied the ambition of Everton’s new chapter.
The stadium itself was a star of the day. Nestled along the Mersey, its modern design and unique character—marked by distinct stands that lend a “quirky” charm—drew widespread acclaim. “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,” Wayne Rooney remarked on *The Wayne Rooney Podcast*, echoing the sentiments of fans marveling at the venue’s blend of tradition and innovation. The move from Goodison, a ground steeped in history, to Bramley-Moore Dock represents more than a change of address; it’s a bold statement of Everton’s intent to reclaim their place among the Premier League’s elite.
The match was a microcosm of Everton’s potential under Moyes, whose return to the club has sparked renewed optimism. The parade of club legends, including Peter Reid and Graeme Sharp, before kickoff connected the club’s storied past with its ambitious future. Fans played a massive role, their chants reverberating through the docks and creating an atmosphere that Rooney described as hitting “a bang straight away.” The victory was not without flaws, as the team showed moments of rust, but the outcome was perfect, setting a high bar for the season ahead.
This historic day was about more than football—it was about identity, ambition, and community. Grealish’s dazzling debut, coupled with the fans’ unrelenting support, signaled that Everton is ready to write a new chapter. As the final whistle blew, the roar from the stands was a reminder that Bramley-Moore Dock is not just a stadium but a beacon of hope for a club poised for greatness.
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