Jack Grealish shines, 4/10 flops - Everton player ratings vs Brighton
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Credit: Everton FC
Chris Smith
Sun 24 August 2025 16:04, UK
Everton officially opened Hill Dickinson Stadium in style with a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.
There was plenty of anticipation amongst supporters – not to mention some nerves – as they began this new era on the banks of the River Mersey, after leaving their spiritual home of Goodison Park.
Especially after the dismal 1-0 defeat to Leeds to start the new season.
That seemed to reflect on the pitch, with David Moyes‘ men making some defensive errors and only narrowly escaping going behind on multiple occasions.
But the Toffees eventually settled, with Jack Grealish pulling the strings to provide goals for Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner to give supporters a memorable afternoon.
Here are the full Everton player ratings from a triumphant day at their new stadium.
Jordan Pickford – 9
Made a few important saves as Everton continued to make defensive mistakes, despite their dominance.
However, Everton always look less settled with him in the side, with a mistake seemingly just around the corner.
James Garner – 8
Didn’t look comfortable defensively, being dribbled past four times as he played out of position against Brighton’s biggest threat in Yankuba Minteh.
Caused plenty of havoc, was the most fouled player on the pitch (3) and came close to scoring in the first half after a driving run forward.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8
Looks a real class act in midfield for the Toffees, completing all but four of his passes and creating three chances, while winning four of his five ground duels.
Worked hard and made some good runs, but needs a lot of work to adjust to the Premier League.
Jack Grealish – 9
Jack Grealish doing Jack Grealish things.
His trademark turn of pace and cross for the opener was particularly pleasing.
Carlos Alcaraz (on for Ndiaye, 64?) – 5
Put himself about when he came on without doing too much of note.
Beto (on for Barry, 64?) – 5
Continues to be one of the most untidy strikers in the Premier League, but you can’t fault his work rate and battling qualities.