Two fine goals made by Grealish grace Hill Dickinson Stadium debut

Yet you have a calm composed midfielder that can pass, assist, score, play across the whole of midfield if needed, take decent set pieces and works hard for the team in McNeil, and he's on the bench! Utterly baffling!!!

He was pretty inept against Leeds but he wasn't the only one in his favour. Still baffling though!

Appreciate what you say about McNeil but he is very one-footed, easy to work out which way he's going with the ball.

Glad Barry is starting. COYB

Negativity gets us nowhere and I am shit scared that Moyes will start us with a negative attitude today. Hopefully not but history destroys my hopes.

I think Dewsbury-Hall must be left back, and Iroegbunam, being the only other No 8, is the No 8?

We need to be competitive in midfield or we are in for a rough day.

We will see, I'm hoping for some luck and a good result but I'm not overly confident.

Even start McNeil, especially with Mitoma on the wing, and Garner is badly missed in midfield.

The obverse is true as well, people getting in a position who don't deserve to be there, and making cock-up after cock-up!

Play Aznou to balance the team!

Let's just get to nil-nil at half-time and take it from there.

When I question them as to why they are not employed in IT roles, the reply is regularly the same. "Well, we have to have at least 10 years experience to get the job! How can you have 10 years experience if you can't get the job in the first place?"

In the words of Rowan Dean, the world has gone mad!!!!

Fingers crossed that it works this time, and we'll all see what Moyes seems to see and we can laud his genius after the match lol.

Let's give these a good Hill Dicking! :-)

Let's go for a 3-0 win!

I'm a fan of Iroegbunam though, I think there's a real player there so I really hope he starts to convince people.

We need a striker, defensive midfielder, two fullbacks this week.

I doubt 'settle' will not be there until we have Dibling on board. Then, plus a right-back. I reckon we will find balance in the squad.

He seems to put his foot on the ball looking for a forward through ball which may help out the others or draw opposition to him.

When I question them as to why they are employed in IT roles, the reply is regularly the same. "Well, we have to have at least 10 years experience to get the job! How can you have 10 years experience if you can't get the job in the first place?"

In the words of Rowan Dean, the world has gone mad!!!!

Seems to have an eye for goals.

But that goal was quality, quality, quality.

Maybe Tarkowski's worst 45 in blue. We're definitely lucky to be ahead but positives to take away too.

I really want to see Barry given something meaningful to chase. He's not hiding and he's working his socks off.

Grealish a class act on the ball. Reminds me of when we saw James for the first time. When they put their foot on the ball the game seems to slow down around them.

Interesting moment when Barry won a decent flick on but it went out of play instead of to Grealish. Jack seemed pretty disappointed with Barry's effort - some of the boys might need to get used to playing with players who have higher standards.

A blinged-out hearing aid???

Grealish and Ndiaye are two special players, we will need both fit and firing on all cylinders this season.

Mike (22), agree on both points. Tim is fast becoming an easy target for slagging off when there are plenty just as patchy getting a free pass week after week. He needs to be more consistent but he's certainly not ‘absolute garbage'.

Christy (11), am I reading your post correctly? Mitoma would have McNeil on toast.

Disgraceful refereeing!

Jordan making amends for another harsh penalty. I still can't believe that people continue to question him. Every time I watch other teams I'm taken aback by how far off Pickford's standard their keepers are. I think we've got very used to having an outstanding goalkeeper.

Probably best to gloss over some of the frailties. A few need to lift their games and meet the standards of others. There'll be a few that won't be able to.

Just a thought: Why was Dewsbury-Hall's handball a pen but theirs 5 mins later not?

The penalty, Uefa, VAR etc. Beat them all.

Jaysus even TW can be happy for 5 minutes!

Yaaaaaay!

Good result in the end and that's our season up and running. Grealish was quality.

2/3 more quality signings this week and we might just have a competitive squad.

Fair play to Moyes too, I wasn't happy with the team selection but how wrong can you be? A weekend to enjoy.

These guys are used to the highest of standards around them and it shows.

Let's be happy!

Grealish makes a difference. And let's not let Ndiaye go to the hounds who are after him!!!!

Lots of positives to take from that. If we can keep hold of all our players, sign a few more players, and get lucky with injuries, then we'll give most teams a game.

As is positivity – add 3 or 4 players this week, Mykolenko back, and we can forget Leeds and pre-season – at last.

I thought it looked fantastic!!! What were anyone's "in person" takes from the new home?

Great game today. Good 3 points.

I have to give special praise to Tim, played really well today, as did Garner. Hopefully 3/4 signings this week.

It did look and sound good on Stan.

Feel sorry for those that are too quick to write off team selections and assume the worse... and then the worse doesn't happen.

Granted, Garner wouldn't be my first choice left-back but he did okay, as did Michael Keane and Tim Iroegbunam today.

For those who didn't watch, the young left-back, Adam Aznou, was injured in the warm-up and tbh, from what I've seen of him so far, he looks like one who will need slow integration.

Uplifting to see a player like Grealish; I understand the reference to James and time on the ball, but he is a lot more dynamic and still seems to have his mojo.

Of the rest, Keane did well for a 4th choice centre-back. Iroegbunam had one of his better games for us, while Ndiaye is a rainmaker, someone we can't afford to lose.

Hopefully we will plug the very obvious gaps we still have over the next week or so.

Tactical genius! 😉.

Hopefully the level of performance will improve with returning players, so let's be optimistic (but there again, we are all Evertonians).

What happened to Aznou in the warm up? Young Barry up front grew in to the game and Garner got over a tricky start to hammer in a second.

All-in-all, a very good win. Shout out to Keane as well. Did all the basics as he should.

That strike was worthy of our last overlapping left-back!

Yes, he's a bit raw and we didn't give him much to work with, but he gave it a real go today... which is a standard that our last expensive young imported striker didn't reach.

Barry looks perhaps a better option to Beto. I'd like to see us use Braiden Graham in the squad as well.

I think we will have a good week in the window. The Moyesiah may have a cunning plan?

Will be a solid player for us.

We looked a lot better with Grealish on the left and Ndiaye on the right but Brighton were nowhere near as fast or energetic in the press as Leeds were and even then we could have let more than a couple in except for the woodwork, poor finishing and Pickford. Again this handball or ball-to-hand needs sorting out in what was another display of awful refereeing.

I'd like to see Gana do a lot better when in possession. Barry looked like it was some sort of friendly and the defence is not yet gelling as a unit. The positives being how good players in possession (Grealish and Ndiaye) are to the team.

What Jack also said which unsurprisingly you omitted, was that he knew he wanted to come to Everton within a couple of minutes of talking to Moyes in a video call.

Your anti-Moyes agenda on here is becoming tiresome and does you no favours.

We played pretty well considering we had no ‘proper' full-backs. Moyes has signed some exciting players. We should be optimistic and not stuck in some bitter agenda against our manager.

Keep proving them wrong, Jordan — the best keeper in the league bar none.

Can't wait for Dibling to come into the squad and hopefully a Number 6 and an experienced forward who can help Barry.

He will be most unfortunate if he's dropped when Branthwaite is fit – especially the way Tarkowski has started.

Can I ask what did the players do differently to the Leeds match? Or was Grealish in a class of his own?

Michaels anti-Moyes agenda is pretty pathetic isn't it.

God knows what he thought of Kendall Mk 3, Walter Smith, Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche.

It was never a penalty in a million years... the shot was at point blank range - what was Dewsbury-Hall supposed to do differently not to concede a penalty? Hopefully we're getting our bad luck with poor officiating out of the way early doors and things will even themselves out over the course of the season.

On the evidence of our first two games, it's glaringly obviously we still need a deep lying central midfielder (or two) that can get control of the middle of the park. And a full-back (or two) that can affect the game much better in the final third of the pitch. 3-4 for additions needed before the transfer window slams shut methinks!

That's what top players such as Grealish give you, the difference between winning or not. Tempt another star or two to come and we will be rolling along.

Our goalie is worth his weight in gold too, he very seldom lets silly goals in.

I thought Tim Iroegbunam and Gana really grew into the game. He may not have been MotM, but I thought Garner really persevered against Minteh. Keane was solid, but Tarkowski had a shocker in the first half. Gave them two gilt-edged chances on a plate.

Really liked Barry's hard work and endeavour, but we really need another forward as Beto looks lost.

And of course, a right-back and left-back!

Without Grealish today we'd likely have lost the game. He drew players to him and usually emerged with the ball.

Made two assists, the first a classic. We have a real talent who stands out above the rest.

I thought Moyes was shite against Leeds. Utterly shite. Today he was excellent.

l thought it was a magnificent effort from the coach and the players.

I thought Grealish was MotM by a country mile, he's got that zen about him — just like James had.

I know there's no chance of it happening, but as I'm laid up at the moment, I watched the 2 Spurs games, and I'd lurvve to see Richarlison back in a blue shirt, his movement is superb and he'd do really well with Grealish and Ndiaye.

You can dream... UTFT

Grealish looks like he's relishing playing and being appreciated. Dewsbury-Hall tireless and showed quality, whike Ndiaye and Iroegbunam played well. Garner did a great job against a very dangerous winger today.

Barry showed a few touches but needs time; as the confidence of the team improves, so will his and his play.

Couple of players in and it's... Onwards and upwards.

Brighton had good chances, although the back 4 played well. For me, Gana was MotM. I thought he was everywhere, and was the difference that Brighton didn't have.

In Moyes We Trust.

Very impressed with the new stadium, I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of it when I took in my first view from the inside.

Equally impressed with our performance given the patched-up defence, it just goes to show how little I know that yesterday I was banging on about how we can't possibly play Garner at left-back again, then he goes and puts in a storming performance and chips in with a fine goal!

Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, we're off out on Liverpool tonight for more than a few drinks.

The bottom line is we were shite before he came, and we were shite after he left. So trotting out the lack of trophies or away wins, is as futile as the rest of the Premier League era.

With a bit of patience, he's putting together a creative side that will be good to watch. And is moving us up the league.

No doubt the mob will be expecting more, but the club is moving forward in terms of quality. If you want to compete you need good players.

Too many people policing this site – leave it to people who run it.

Grealish a breath of fresh air, and Iroegbunam and Gueye in midfield, there £100M+ midfielder taken off at half-time.

I just hope Ndiaye hasn't done his hamstring, seeing him do the post-match interview was a good sign hopefully.

If he'd made half the mistakes Tarkowski made, the pitchforks would be out.

Tarkowski had generally a good game but lax on the backpass and when he let it bounce.

About time we had the rub of the green. The ground is awesome.

The whole ground was singing Pickford's name. I think you might be outvoted!

My thoughts are he was the right choice at the right time for us and I think he will probably steer us in the right direction this season, but definitely his style of play is wide open to debate to those who want to see more flowing football with goals.
Moyes is capable alright, but there is no doubt he is a defensive-minded coach.

I didn't know what to make of Grealish coming to us, but today we all saw his contribution. Defenders and midfielders doubling up on him should work to our advantage moving forward, today is just the start!

If we get another three players, I expect decent offers will be listened to for Beto and McNeil, and players heading out on loan.

Question to those of you were there today, watching on the telly the stadium seemed quiet at times, was it ?
COYB

We started a bit cagey and Brighton had two very close chances, testing the framework. But overall, I thought it was an even match. When we did get hold of the ball, we actually played some neat flowing football, as we saw with both goals. Very good and positive moves.

It's easy to give Grealish the plaudits and rightly so. He was outstanding for the time he was on the pitch,

Ndiaye was his usual self. Tricky, played his part and good to see him and Grealish on the pitch together. His instinct is sometimes to try too much on his own, but he likes the ball at his feet and trying to make something happen. First player to score at our new home in a competitive match.

For me, MotM has to be Pickford. A crucial save at his near post with the player clean through. And then the penalty save.

A call out for Garner. Not just for that low pile-driver of a goal, but once again, the right-footed central midfielder being ask to play left-back. Also Michael Keane, who had a very steady game. I didn't think Iroegbunham was as bad as some make out. He was wasteful at times, but stayed involved and showed some good touches.

Another mention for Tarkowski. He improved second half, but had a shocking first half.

So, 3 points that more than a few predicted wouldn't happen and the best we could hope for was a draw. A fitting victory in the new stadium's inaugural top flight fixture.

Some good performances some not so good but I thought that Pickford saved the game for us. He's not my favourite player but that save just before half-time and then the penalty — not sure if it was a poor effort as I'm at the other end, but he out-bluffed the penalty taker who was waiting for Pickford to make his move but he didn't budge and that possibly unnerved him.

If the penalty had gone in, I think we would have gone on the defensive and could have lost the game although Brighton certainly had enough chances to win the game overall — but they didn't and all's well that ends well.

So everyone went home happy on this special day.

Rode our luck in that first half but in the end the margin of victory could have been more.

Grealish was excellent and Pickford immense. Great feeling to get our first 3 points early on and not having to wait usually another month.

Dibling almost done, let's get a few more in later this week. I imagine we'll utlise the remaining loans available (one domestic and two European). A right-back, defensive midfielder and another forward in.

Pickford, Grealish and Keane were very good; Tarkkowsi not so much.

The ground was loud when it got going but long periods of quietness (as at Goodison). A great day all round.

The one today wasn't cut and dried either – but (unsurprisingly) given, so any luck today was earned. No mention of the handball in the opposition's box either!

I cannot understand why people are asking for certain players now to be sold because other players have come in; short on numbers – more than ever, it is a squad game, competition for places breeds better performances, the more competition the better, the better the subs bench, the better the on field performance.

And then there are injuries, suspensions and a loss of form. Plus, it is better to bring in youngsters to a team that has competition and therefore less pressure on them than the alternative.

Progress is being made.

2 terrific goals too and good performance from Pickford, Garner, Keane, Grealish, Ndiaye and Gana

What a shame we don't have a proven striker up top. Barry did some good things – let's hope he develops. I wonder if we can swap Beto with another quality striker?

Well done, boys and fans.

Female presenters are here to stay and that's okay, and like male presenters, many of them are absolute shite!

I think we should have a sweep about how many he does, I'm going high — more than 30.

Agree with the shout out for Keane today, it was Tarkowski who looked the dodgy one today and not for the first time, Keane would get slaughtered if he defended like he did today. Jake O'Brien dealt with Mitoma well today.

We all see the game differently, we are all entitled to our views and should be able to post without getting some snarky reply.

I thought Barry done well today on his first Premier League start, played his part in both goals. Isn't it great being able to give Grealish the ball in tight spaces knowing he'll look after the ball and get us up the pitch. UTFT

I can take it on the chin but every time we passed the ball back to him (and that was too often which highlights our need for a midfielder to link play) made me very nervous of an impending self-destruction.

I am an outlier, I know.

Happy Birthday Lee 87!

As a mobster commenter, I was impressed with the purpose of how we advanced the ball. I could see early on why Moyes wanted Tim on the pitch in an advanced role. He and Dewsbury-Hall did some good early work getting the ball through midfield and placing balls to Jack and Ilie.

Having two ball carriers makes a huge difference. The left flowed more than the right but that possession opened up space in the middle for Dewsbury-Hall to get positioned with some vision. We weren't running backward to keep possession, there were lines moving together. Being able to get it wide left or right to set up around Brighton's box was a solid development. If that eleven can just take that on the road, we will be fine.

Much of our disagreement about Moyes could be about stuff you don't know will work until you try it. And that is after you give it proper time to work. We all saw a player in Tim but positioning and other things needed some work. Last week suck, this week brill. It may have been that he needed to work through some complex instructions. During that time we will exchange views about OFM.

Just wait until we start with the "well, whose to say other managers couldn't take this group farther?"

Pickford was absolutely outstanding today and we would have lost that match without him.

But he did well, so all is good till next time. I thought we were bloody great today, by the way. Grealish is just fucking brilliant!!

He did wack it into touch a couple of times but that's because he was trying to put it on O'Brien's head rather than always put it up the middle.

No way to make any big conclusions about the state of things, given how far we have to go and the unknowns of incomings. If Dibling comes in, I imagine Ndiaye moves out left and Grealish more centrally. Iroebugnam to the bench, despite proving doubters wrong today, he's not quite at the level we need just yet.

With Mykolenko back left and Garner in the middle, plus a true right-back, we're an entirely different squad. I still think O'Brien replaces Tarkowski sooner rather than later once Branthwaite is healthy.

Most importantly, a glorious way to open the new stadium. 2 brilliant goals, crowd was loud, team weathered the storm and looked classy on the ball for the first time in years. UTFT!

But not everyone is like you.

When you take a comment from Grealish as Michael did #42 and interpret it very negatively (when a very positive interpretation is equally, if not more so, likely) it's difficult not to think... agenda.

Delighted at the result today. Pleased for the fans who witnessed that historic event and the many others who were not there to see it in person. Pleased for all the players and Jack Grealish in particular.

Wonderful occasion for David Moyes... well deserved.

My opinion. Brilliant penalty save but distribution was woeful. He would be better giving it to Keane who, on today's performance, can put it on a sixpence.

We now need a couple of full-backs who can run outside and forward of these guys.

He is the best keeper we have had and runs Southall close as my best ever.

We did ride our luck today. For all of the stick Keane gets I thought he was fantastic today as was O'Brien and Garner at the back. Tarkowski contributed more after we scored the 2nd with some good headers.

I thought their left back was lucky to stay on the pitch. Already booked and tripping Tim up on the edge of the box should have seen 2nd yellow imo.

That's 2 contentious pens in 2 games. If they just said anything that hits the arm is a pen at least we would all know but as it stands the referees are so inconsistent. Could anyone see those 2 pens given against Man City or Chelsea.

It's obvious Grealish is on a different level. Decision making, tempo of play and quality counts and he has it.

On the downside Barry looks a mile off, God knows where Dibling fits in. Kdh is ok on the ball but lightweight off it.

My first visit to bmd and it's hard not to be impressed. I am in the north stand and thought it was all good if not a little sterile compared to Goodison.

He and Dewsbury Hall seemed to be developing an understanding and Tim Irogbunam had a good game too, Barry grew into the game but he and Beto are far too similar, don’t understand that tbh, not great recruitment.

Garner is not a LB obviously but is filling in well, great strike for the goal.

Atmosphere was good, lots of people realised it’s up to us fans to try to create the atmosphere wherever we are in the stadium, there’s no St End anymore to rely on, it’s up to EVERYONE to get the ground bouncing, also the players as Pickford proved with that outstanding moment, he psyched Wellbeck out big time.

Great day out at BMD let’s beat Mansfield with a couple of reserves and then get an away win under our belt.

There were quiet periods, particularly in the first half. The second half was, I thought, much noisier probably because everyone had relaxed a little (if that is ever possible with Everton) when the second goal went in.

At times it was very loud with a capital ‘v’. Difficult to compare with Goodison which is more intimate. Different but will be equally as good although probably louder in time. The noise echoes around the stadium.

Yes but it wasn’t luck Grealish was on our side or indeed Pickford. It was recruitment

It was so important that we scored first and won this match. Huge pressure on the players shoulders today and they delivered.

Do you extend that to the manager?

There were sufficient occasions when the volume rose to make me believe it can be the bear pit we love.

We were lucky at times, we could have conceded four or five, but we didn’t, and the two goals we scored were excellent. Winning was absolutely crucial, and the players worked their hearts out.

What a day. My son and I were fortunate enough to be invited to corporate hospitality, top of the range at that - it was bloody great.

Yes, it was a penalty on KDH and yes, their left back should’ve been sent off for a second caution. Might seem harsh on KDH, but no choice but to call it.

Regarding Tarkowski last week, my referee colleagues and I are divided. I don’t think it was a penalty, but others I respect think it was. The bigger issue last week was that the assistant (who had missed calls earlier in the match) likely gave the call, and he has no angle to determine that. At that point, overturning it was hard to do, though I wish Kavanaugh had been sent to look at it on his own.

The defensive midfield pivot of Gueye and Iroegbunam worked well and was proactive rather than reactive in this game. The attacking midfield pairing of Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish worked well, a pairing that was needed, rather than box-to-box. They brought more players into the attack with better passing and movement.

I thought Everton would have benefited from the physically of Beto. Barry had good touches but did not impose his presence. Brighton's defence had too much room.

Moyes, by being more positive, made such a difference. Against Leeds, he gave them too much respect. Standing off Leeds was a cardinal error. If Everton had imposed themselves more, they would have won that game as well.

And for the record I too had and retain my doubts about DM's record as our manager throughout the hundreds of games he's managed to achieve nigh on zero points against teams at the top of the league but maybe at this stage in his very lucky career he'll find a way to improve.

In the meantime I empathise with our Mr Kenrick.

Jamie C, the best way to describe the stadium, is by explaining that it is definitely befitting of the old Everton, when we were the greatest team in the land💙

The last day at Goodison was, and was always going to be be a very emotional day, but when I first saw the pitch, and then looked around the stadium today, I was completely blown away.

Then I got to my seat, began to take it all in, and when the siren started leading up to Z-Cars, I honestly began to feel even more emotional than when I walked out of Goodison Pk, for the last time.

Although we had massive roots there, Goodison felt cursed way before the very end, so it was noticeable that Pickford’s goal, had a feeling that it had been blessed with Holy-Water, during the first half today, and if I can take one thing from today, then wouldn’t it be lovely if Bramley Moore, becomes a lucky ground🍀.

How uncanny that the fixture today was played on the very same date as the very first match at Goodison, and how even more uncanny that N’Diaye, became the last player to score at Goodison, and the first to score at Bramley Moore, just like a player called Geary, was the last to score at Anfield and the first to score at Goodison Park, all those years ago?

Tommy Fleetwood, an Everton fan, has finally won on the PGA Tour the day Everton played for the first time officialy in the stunning new Hill Dicksinson. Today the world is blue.

COYB!!

There, I've said it again. I hope it comes to pass!

I've struggled to be excited about the new stadium as I didn't want to leave Goodison. But today gave a glimpse that it could become something extraordinary.

Reminds me of two former USA presidents who were assassinated, each succeeded by blokes called Johnson, to varying results.

(Other Toffee anoraks who also need to get out more may be interested to research Lincoln/Kennedy spooky coincidences!)

Everton win

Tommy wins the FedEx

Brooke Henderson wins the Canadian Open 🇨🇦

Gonna be hungover at work tomorrow, too much to celebrate

Tommy Fleetwood winning the golf topped it off nicely.

I used to think Bill cursed Goodison, but after riding some luck today, our luck might be changing at the new stadium.

First 2 Joe Jackson albums hitting the spot really nice tonight in celebration

Congrats to Tommy Fleetwood.

Good to see balanced assessments of likes of Keane, Tim and Pickers.

Davey Moyes set things up to suit / get the best out of Jack and Illy and it paid off, although we rode a fair amount of luck as well.

Jimmy Garner was always going to put the effort in but Jack absolutely transformed his reluctance to overlap that stifled the left side against Leeds into a virtue today. What a goal to reward his effort. You won’t see the ball struck better.

I thought the Sky coverage was immensely respectful and complimentary to the club (which I thought we got for the last Goodison game as well). Contrasts greatly with Match of the Day who left out loads of pretty decent action and didn’t even revisit the shocking penalty award in the analysis. KDH’s arm was in entirely natural position and ball blasted straight at him from all of five foot away. Imbecilic decision by ref, unbelievable that VAR official simply backed his decision.

I think a week ago many of us would have snatched at it if we’d been offered 3 points from our first 2 fixtures. Still improvement(s) needed. Hopefully that will come through some (more) brilliant signings this week and the new guys adjusting quickly.

Brian (168), that Wigan was easily predictable. Much more impressive was Saints victory on Friday. I’d become convinced one of Saints or Everton could win any given weekend, but never both together.

With the discovery of The Holy Greal, the curse is, indeed, lifted.

Here’s to 30 years of the rub of the green, the bounce of the ball and the decision of the VAR.

No

Moyes has found, his McGinn, Rice and Bowen, partnered by a Dewsbury and owners who can afford to keep him.I do think that Grealish's ability as a player maker, will encourage Moyes to be more positive and also bring in more young players to the first team.

A really positive development and the New Stadium really looked the part.

I was totally against his return but happily admitted what a great job he did in transforming our fortunes after his return.

But that doesn’t make him immune from criticism at times. Against Leeds he got it horribly wrong. This time he got it right, especially given the players he had to choose from.

Credit where it’s due, but criticism when it’s due too.

You use AI for this one MK?

I am at a loss to why VAR has so many problems in the Premier League - it seems not to be the case in other leagues, which suggests the problem may be within PGMOL and their implementation.

Thank you m'man! Really glad the new stadium is getting great reviews, and happy to hear it's got the acoustics necessary to make it a war bunker.

Peter Mills was impressed as well, but to be fair Pete, the corporate boxes do always equate to a good experience. Happy you got the first class treatment.

Finally -

A great Blue won his first ever PGA Tour event today. His caddy's yardage book has a royal blue cover with EFC on the front. A man who "couldn't win the big one" here America not only got over the hump, but won the biggest prize in golf today by doing it.

Congratulations to Tommy Fleetwood. Thrilled for the kid. UTFT, UTFTommy.

You'll mellow...

Neil #172, agreed, what a turnaround for young Tim in six days. Superb.

Kevin #139, for somebody who described our new management team with words like "clowns" and "unprofessionalism" and "farce"... that sounds like something perilously close to an endorsement. If the Dibling deal closes, are you prepared for a crow dinner?

Jamie #180, just a couple weeks ago I predicted he would never, ever do it. Couldn't make the big putt. So glad I was wrong.

Lee #87... Mazel tov! Glad it was a great birthday for you.

Everton, I believe, will sign a minimum of three players (apart from Dibling). I’m not sure who to be exact but Fort (Barcelona) is an interesting one as he can play RB and CB. Bissouma (despite his baggage). Vardy (on a free is a no-brainer) and perhaps a surprise deal out of left field - Richarlison (loan?). So, 4-5 new faces this week?

All I know is we need further strengthening ahead of a very long season.

The pre-match Sky coverage, as has already been said, was also good. The backdrop I particularly enjoyed was the one overlooking the river. It looked majestic on a balmy summers day. I wonder what it will look like on a stormy November night!

The commentator said the pitch was 5 metres longer than Goodison, which surprised me. In the past we have narrowed Goodison to accommodate some of our gutless and guileless football. Could it be a deliberate glimpse to a future of outrageously adventurous winning football? Here’s hoping!

Let's leave it at that.

Danny, you’re going to love your seat and I’m forever in your debt!

I was looking forward to the day but the reality surpassed all expectations. The train into Sandhills was indeed packed but there were absolutely no issues alighting and clearing the station, apart from one little fat angry koppite barging through and muttering “youse are fcuking shit, fcuking bastards, grrrr” but he was obviously retarded and no-one took him on.

Had a good walk around the ground with my mate Paul who’s in the North stand. The steps at the river end give the best view of our majestic new home and brought out the first tears. Up past the multitude staring at the floor looking for their stones and back to the fan zone pushing through the bottle neck as there was a very large queue for the ticket office.

Time for a quick beer at the automated bar (tip - if you like, or can even just tolerate Stout, it’s worth joining the short queue for the stout dispenser as the lager queues were massive. If you prefer wine you’re even luckier as there was no queue at all for that!)

Paul joined the very long queue for gate 17 and I walked around to Danny’s gate, 12, happy to see it was relatively short and I was inside after max 5 minutes. The concourse was spacious and loud with away type singing around the bars. I was driving home 260 miles later so didn’t have another but the queues seemed manageable. There was loads of space (East Stand) for comfort, better than I’m used to at any away I can think of.

Went for a whizz and the guy next to me commented that it felt like an away game. I thought he meant because the toilets were so pleasant!

Inside with 15 minutes to go and quickly found Danny’s seat. Row ten, on line with the edge of the penalty box and a clear sight line to anywhere else in the stadium, let alone the pitch. No obstructed views in this ground!

The talk all around me was positivity. Grealish starts, with Ndiaye, Barry and Dewsbury Hall in as well. There was absolutely NO negativity towards Iroegbanum, Garner at full back, Keane in the middle. It is what it is and we couldn’t wait to get started.

The atmosphere built and the noise grew and grew until “There she goes” came on and was belted out with gusto from fifty thousand throats. It was electrifying and brought more tears from me. The absolute NOISE! I remember as a kid in the seventies wishing we had a roof to make some noise and now we have one! The “dj” went through the repertoire and the noise built to a crescendo as the teams came out. I looked at the Brighton support and they looked cowed to me. I’ve never known anything like it.

I’ll skip the game - everyone on here should’ve seen it. Not perfect but fittingly edge of the seat stuff at both ends and it’s fitting we won. We looked a proper team, despite the patched up formation and it bodes well for when we get a settled eleven. I think top half is achievable at the very least.

I left soon after the whistle and walked to my son’s house in Everton where I was parked. 35 minutes walk with a grin on my face.

An Absolutely perfect and memorable day. Thanks again Danny!

We’re home!

Enough said.

Yes I thought strange, sad and guilty passing my first love like that and when we got to the new ground she was young, very attractive and will be the envy of many but she will never give me the urge or inclination to lose my love for the old, lovely and beautiful Goodison Park.I’ll never give her up.

I like Brambly Moor so that’s a start and it’s still Everton I’m in love with!

I got it wrong, it was actually 133 years to the day, that Goodison park, was officially opened yesterday mate, but I’m not sure if Everton actually played on that date, all those years ago.

Being from Florida, Jamie, I’d say the best time to come to watch Everton playing at the Dock, would be either August or April/May. If you are hopefully on top of your family business mate, get saving, get planning and get praying, because if Everton can finally get a team, befitting of this beautiful stadium, (designed by a fellow American, no less) then you definitely need to come and see it for yourself💙.

Like I said to my daughter on the way out of the ground yesterday, there will be bad days, but that doesn’t matter, just as long as there are also some good days. It’s what defines us, after all!

Yesterday was rather different, as we were in a private dining room for 8 people, with glazed doors overlooking the pitch. Our seats were immediately outside the room, so we were able to step outside and take in whatever was happening on the pitch pre-match.

Our main course was slightly late being served, and we were taken aback to vaguely hear the strains of “Grand Old Team”. We shovelled our grub down our necks, and dashed out of the air-conditioned, sound-insulated lounge into a wall of heat and sound as the Z-Cars siren started. It was a fantastic moment.

I’ve had a few positive things to say about the stadium, and a few moans as well. I’ve got to say that everything about yesterday was top class.

We were even introduced to CEO Angus Kinnear. I briefly contemplated grasping him in a friendly headlock, but thought better of it.

Whoever is organising the restaurant needs some advice.

But the seats were awesome. Loved the plate glass walls as we were on a first row.

But I will still criticise when it’s warranted.

Dibling hopefully and Ndiaye doing their stuff also will keep teams pushed back more. Our midfield did well with a special mention for Dewsbury-Hall and Gueye.

I can't really say the same for most of our defenders, though, with the exception of Keane, because the scoreline could have been very different if they had put their chances away. All good fortune gratefully received though, I think Brighton will again finish well up the division.

Brian @ 168, so you are a fellow pie eater, you've kept that quiet.
I first became an Everton supporter in 1970 swaying about on the Gwladys St. End as a glory hunter when the League was won and have been one ever since through thick and mostly thin. Although I did had have divided loyalties when Wigan Athletic reached the Premier League and played Everton, very tricky that was.

It was strange and also a little bit sad driving past Goodison, Dave, but after experiencing our new home full with the furniture, I was actually smiling to myself when I drove past my old turnstile on Gwladys Street, when taking the short cut to get you home.

Another nice thing has been listening to people who went through town, both before and after yesterday's game. The Toffees are reclaiming big chunks of the city centre, and it's definitely not going to be sitting pretty with the other crowd!

First world problems, I know.

I'll keep watching him; it must be me who is missing something!

I watched the build-up and game. The stadium looked fantastic chockablock full of Evertonians. I have to say it – thank you, Farhad Moshiri.

I thought we deserved to win – we outfought Brighton.

I think Moyes is going to have lots of options in midfield going on their performance today. I speculated at the start of the window he would sign a tall central midfielder but it looks like he might not have to if Iroegbunam keeps improving. I thought he played really well yesterday.

If we can get Branthwaite and Mykolenko back fit, I think we will give any team a game.

Les (207). No. definitely not Barry. I'm giving him a lot more time the same as I'm giving the player I didn't see play like a lot of fans thought he did, as I said it must be me. When I catch up to those who like him, I'll put my hands up and say so.

Keane had a decent game but I think he really worries Dave, but my own view is that I'd like to get Beto out the door and find a better replacement.

We all see different things!

In the end it was all brilliant: parking, the short walk along the Dock Road and into the Stadium, where everything is so much bigger, I shall certainly need my distance glasses on Wednesday night. Also great to see the local neighbourhood springing into life, long may that continue. Roll on Wednesday.

In the end, it was a brilliant day and there is so much to discover at the Stadium.

Right-back is a must.
A central midfielder, Bissouma and get him motivated.
Dibling. Our right side is woefully weak.
Cheeky deal for Højlund at Man Utd and flog Beto to whoever will take him.

Matoma (I think it was) was blocking that pass but all Keane had to do was to drop two yards towards the corner and enable the lay off. In my view, Keane didn't want the pass and stayed in line with Matoma so Tarks didn't have the option.

Keane could've offered the option but didn't want it.

Tarks still made a pigs ear of it, but I wonder if Branthwaite might have read that better than Keane did.

On another note, I personally wasn't as impressed with Barry as others seem to be. I'm not a fan of Beto either but he did worry their defence with his bustling. I'd be happy to see Vardy come in for a season until Barry and Chermiti (how long does “promise” take to become fruition??) are up to speed.