The story of Everton’s new beginning was written in the 23rd minute at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The new era on the blue side of Merseyside started with a bang as Iliman Ndiaye steered home Jack Grealish’s driven cross past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to give the Toffees not just a lead, but a moment that will live in the history of their new home.
For the thousands of Evertonians inside the 52,769-capacity ground, the goal was about more than the score line, because it came from the same player who scored the last goal at Goodison Park just three months earlier.
In May, Ndiaye scored twice against Southampton in a 2-0 win, closing Everton’s 133-year tenure at Goodison Park.
Now, in their very first top-flight outing at Bramley-Moore Dock, he ensured his name will be remembered at both ends of the club’s historic transition.
Iliman Ndiaye scores Everton's first goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FBQIIbPsEB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Grealish inspires as Garner seals debut win at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton doubled their advantage just after halftime as Grealish, on his first start since arriving on loan from Manchester City, slipped the ball to James Garner to rocket home from distance.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
JAMES GARNER BEAUTIFUL GOAL AGAINST NOTTINGHAM FOREST
— BUKAYO 🌶 (@BestOfBukayo) August 24, 2025
GREALISH ANOTHER ASSIST #EVEBHApic.twitter.com/gCVwonzPZH
Brighton continued to pose a threat late on and Everton's superb debut in their new base was capped off by a penalty save from Jordan Pickford on Danny Welbeck.
Everton news and related links
- What went wrong for Grealish at Man City?
- Premier League striker rankings: Comparing each club's No. 9s in 2025/26