Ndiaye scores first goal in new stadium as Everton beat Brighton

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LIVERPOOL, England - Everton kicked off the Hill Dickinson Stadium era with an emphatic 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton amp; Hove Albion on Sunday as Iliman Ndiaye netted the first goal at their new home.

James Garner also scored and Jack Grealish contributed two assists in his first start for Everton.

Fans were in buoyant mood at their new stadium on the River Mersey before Ndiaye, who also scored their last goal at Goodison Park, Evertons home for 133 years, sparked bedlam when he tapped in Grealishs cross in the 23rd minute.

It was very special. We are coming here to try and get the victory. We didnt begin the Premier League well last weekend (a 1-0 loss to Leeds) but it felt good to come here and give the fans what they deserve, Ndiaye told Sky Sports.

Garner doubled Evertons lead in the 52nd minute when Grealish played a perfect ball for him to unleash a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that sailed over a diving Bart Verbruggen into the net.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved a 77th-minute penalty from Danny Welbeck, awarded after Kiernan Dewsbury-Halls handball, to complete a perfect afternoon for the hosts.

A smiling Grealish called it a massive victory.

First game at the new stadium and we wanted to put on a show for the supporters. Very happy to get the win, he said.

GREALISH SHINES

It looked like a new lease on life for Grealish, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City to revive his stalled international career. His two goal involvements were as many as he managed in his previous 49 league appearances for City.

The 29-year-old