In a moment etched into Everton’s storied history, Iliman Ndiaye ignited the new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a breathtaking goal, securing a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Toffees’ first Premier League match at their state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock home on August 24, 2025. The 25-year-old Senegalese star, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from debutant Jack Grealish, sent the 52,769-capacity crowd into a frenzy, marking the dawn of a new era for the club. As Brighton rued two glaring misses, Ndiaye’s clinical finish ensured Everton’s move from Goodison Park was celebrated with a triumph that reverberated across Merseyside.
The match, steeped in anticipation, saw Everton unveil their attacking intent under manager David Moyes. Ndiaye, already a fan favorite after scoring the final two Premier League goals at Goodison Park in May, showcased his flair early on. “What a moment!” exclaimed stadium announcer Simon Ross, as Ndiaye’s strike sparked wild celebrations. The goal was a masterpiece of teamwork, born from a swift counterattack. Ndiaye initiated the move with deft hold-up play on the right, feeding Idrissa Gueye, who linked with Kieran Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder’s vision found Grealish, who danced past Brighton’s Mats Wieffer before delivering a low, precise cross to the back post. Ndiaye, with his trademark composure, smashed the ball home, ensuring his name would forever be linked to Everton’s new chapter. “Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made,” Ross bellowed. “The first goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium is an Everton goal, and it has been scored by Iliman Ndiaye!”
Brighton, despite their possession dominance, were left to lament their profligacy. Kaoru Mitoma came agonizingly close to stealing the lead, his audacious flick over James Tarkowski clipping the crossbar in the 18th minute. Moments later, Danny Welbeck squandered a golden opportunity, firing over from close range after Yankuba Minteh’s cutback. “Brighton should be ahead,” one observer noted, as the visitors’ failure to capitalize handed Everton the momentum. Jordan Pickford’s proactive goalkeeping, including a daring dash to thwart Minteh, further frustrated Brighton, who hit the woodwork again through Jan Paul van Hecke’s swerving 30-yard strike.
Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, was the catalyst Everton fans had hoped for. His dazzling footwork and vision electrified the crowd, who greeted his every touch with a palpable hum of expectation. “There is a hum every time Jack Grealish gets the ball, an expectation he will do something wonderful,” a commentator remarked. The 29-year-old, starting his first competitive match for Everton, thrived in a central attacking role, a departure from his left-wing duties at City. His battle with Wieffer was a highlight, with Grealish’s deft touches and relentless energy earning him a booking but also cementing his status as Everton’s new talisman. “He’s just done that and how they love him,” a reporter noted, capturing the fans’ adoration.
Ndiaye’s goal, his sixth in the Premier League this season, underscored his importance to Moyes’ vision. The former Sheffield United star, who joined Everton from Marseille, has been a revelation, blending pace, skill, and finishing. “Iliman Ndiaye is a brilliant footballer,” praised a pundit, noting his ability to spark the attack that led to his historic goal. The victory, however, was tempered by Everton’s injury woes, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Nathan Patterson sidelined, forcing James Garner to play as a makeshift left-back. Despite these challenges, Moyes’ side held firm, with Pickford’s heroics and a disciplined defense thwarting Brighton’s second-half pressure.
As the final whistle blew, Hill Dickinson Stadium erupted, celebrating not just a win but a new beginning. Ndiaye’s goal, Grealish’s flair, and Everton’s resilience signaled ambition for the season ahead. “Everton have been unconvincing at times, but they have now had their moment,” one observer said, encapsulating the match’s significance. With Grealish’s creativity and Ndiaye’s finishing, Everton’s new home promises to be a fortress, and this historic victory sets the tone for a season where the Toffees aim to challenge the Premier League’s elite.
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