Moyes Salutes Proper Everton Qualities & Atmosphere

Everton’s Premier League opener at Hill Dickinson Stadium was “everything the Club had wished for,” says David Moyes, who has urged his team to build on an impressive display and put together more performances fitting of the Blues’ new world-class home. 

Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner’s goals proved enough for the Toffees to see off Brighton & Hove Albion in a 2-0 win on Sunday afternoon, while Jordan Pickford played a crucial role at the other end, denying a late Danny Welbeck spot-kick to maintain Everton’s two-goal advantage.  

The victory marked a memorable day for the Evertonians in attendance, and, while looking back on a historic day for the Club, Moyes recognised the role of the fans in the victory.

“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. 

“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.”

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is the 49th different stadia that David Moyes has taken charge of a Premier League match at, with only Arsene Wenger (54) and Alex Ferguson (52) managing a match at more unique venues in the competition.

One his recent acquisitions impressed from the off. Summer signing Grealish – on loan from Manchester City – produced a eye-catching display in the game, earning the Club’s Player of the Match award after registering assists for both of Everton’s goals. 

Through those contributions, he becomes the second Everton player with two assists on his first Premier League start for the club after Lucas Neill in 2009.

On the display of his number 18, a delighted Moyes said: “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.

“It was great that Ili got the goal. I think he deserves it the way he works for the team. We played him on the other side of the pitch today as well, so we altered that. We're just beginning to get more attacking options in now.  

"We're beginning to get more attacking threat. Thierno [Barry] did a decent-enough job at times, so we just need those moments and be a little bit better going forward and hopefully, we'll be okay.”