Season › 2024-25 › News “It was everything we wished for” - David Moyes on new stadium and performance against Brighton Anjishnu Roy 25/08/2025 2comments | Jump to last David Moyes says the Premier League inauguration of Hill Dickinson Stadium was “everything the club wished for” after marking the momentous occasion with a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday. Iliman Ndiaye became the first to score an official goal at the new waterfront venue while James Garner’s powerful strike in the second half secured all three points after a false start against Leeds United in their campaign opener. “It was everything we wished for,” Moyes told evertontv after the game. “We wanted a positive result today. We had a great atmosphere, a terrific new stadium. “What I'm trying to do is hopefully give everybody a team which we can enjoy watching and be proud of.” The Toffees dismissed concerns and apprehensions following the 1-0 defeat at Elland Road last week with a fine performance. Jordan Pickford was at his absolute best while Jack Grealish blew the roof off the place with his first start. “Today came close with their effort, their commitment. Some of the quality was very good, but there were other bits of it not so good. But, overall, really pleased with the result. “[The atmosphere] was really good. I've got to say, we want to build on it. We have to build on it. We have to make sure that we've a stadium where, even when the game's a bit lulled, the supporters keep with us all the way. “The atmosphere at the end of the game, as well, was immense because [the fans] probably realised how hard we had to work. We picked up a couple of knocks and injuries and different bits and pieces in the game. So that made it pretty difficult. We had to chop and change a little bit.” With an appearance at the Hill Dickinson Stadium also under his belt now, David Moyes has overseen a Premier League match in 49 different stadiums across the country. Only Arsene Wenger (54) and Alex Ferguson (52) have managed more matches at different venues in this competition. Moyes was also pleased with his statement signing this summer, Jack Grealish. Signed on loan from Manchester City, the former British transfer record-holder delivered almost immediately. He registered two assists in this game and constantly threatened the Brighton backline. "He was game for it; he didn’t try to shirk anything. He didn’t want off after 60 minutes – no chance. He wants to show he’s the real deal,” Moyes said about Grealish after the game. "He probably has something to prove. I had something to prove over the years at different times. I think sometimes it gives you that challenge you have to be ready to take. Hopefully Jack is. “Well, I'm hoping that we're going to see even more from him and we raise the expectations. We've been wanting to get more attacking options, people who can create chances and make chances.” Reader Comments (2) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Tony Abrahams 1 Posted 25/08/2025 at 12:48:48 I think you should definitely still be having those feelings about still having something to prove yourself David?You got in bed with Mr Kenwright and helped change the narrative, so hopefully you can help change the narrative back to yesteryear, and help take Everton, back to the days when we feared nobody🤞Surely David Moyes, still has plenty to prove? Because if he hasnt then its very concerning. Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 2 Posted 25/08/2025 at 13:19:23 We have brought in the Phenomenal Roberto Martinez who has since gone on to manage Belgium and Portugal national teams.We have brought in Ronald Koeman who went on to manage the Dutch national team and Barcelona.We had Carlo Ancelotti who at Real Madrid went on to win the Champions League twice, La Liga twice, Copa del Rey.And those fantastic managers still put out teams that were no better that the Moyes years in terms of challenging the top 4 (except Roberto's 1st year before he destroyed the defensive solidarity Moyes had built).Sadly there are too many people on here who do not appreciate that having been a driving force behind the Premier League, we were the only team that did not take advantage and we lost our way not in the 2000s and 2010s, but in the 1990s. We were so far behind by the turn of the millennium we could not recover without the billionaires that were Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour.Please name a manager who has changed the narrative to fearing nobody, and please not Roberto "no fear" Martinez? It might have been no fear but it took us farther away from challenging than nearer. Apart from his win at OT, he took 2 points at the Sky 6 out of 33 and in the 2nd season 6 points from 18 at GP. So the no fear didn't produce results. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb