Fabian Hurzeler, the Premier League's youngest ever permanent manager, made a stunning start to his top-flight career as Brighton comfortably dispatched Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park. The result marked a miserable beginning to Everton's final season at their historic home, a ground they have called home since 1892.
The Seagulls, under their new young boss, showed no signs of sentimentality towards the hosts, who will move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season. The match was a fiery affair from the outset, with tackles flying in during a frantic first half. Everton's Jack Harrison had an early goal ruled out for offside, while Brighton's João Pedro came close with a low drive that rattled the post.
The visitors' dominance was eventually rewarded when Kaoru Mitoma, a constant threat down the left flank, slotted home a simple finish after good work from debutant Yankuba Minteh, who was heavily linked with a move to Everton before joining Brighton this summer.
Everton were dealt a further blow at the start of the second half when a penalty award was overturned after referee Simon Hooper reviewed an incident involving Lewis Dunk and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This decision left Everton feeling aggrieved, and their frustrations were compounded when a misplaced pass from Idrissa Gueye allowed Brighton to break away. Danny Welbeck expertly controlled the ball on the edge of the box and slotted home a delightful finish to double Brighton's lead.
The game took a further turn for the worse for Everton when Ashley Young, acting as the last man, fouled Mitoma and was sent off. The Seagulls capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Simon Adingra rounding off the scoring with a late third goal, ensuring a thoroughly disappointing start for Sean Dyche's side.
The result sends a clear message about Brighton's ambitions under their new manager, who has clearly instilled a winning mentality into his squad. Everton, on the other hand, have much work to do if they are to avoid another season of struggle. They will need to find a way to bounce back quickly if they are to make a positive impact before their historic move to a new home.
