Jack Grealish was given a standing ovation from Everton's fans after his performance in the 2-0 win against Brighton
As pre-match pyrotechnics sent blue smoke arching in the direction of the River Mersey, it was a day of new beginnings for Everton – and for a player who risked becoming one of the Premier League's great lost talents.
Everton were playing the first Premier League game at their magnificent new state-of-the-art stadium, finally leaving Goodison Park behind after 133 years.
Supporters gathered in their thousands hours before kick-off, making their way from the famous Liver Birds at the Pier Head to Hill Dickinson Stadium for a historic day, the start of what Everton hope will be a prosperous new era after years of financial and footballing struggle.
And the name on so many fans' lips was that of Jack Grealish, released from life in the shadows at Manchester City to start again on loan at Everton, the most high-profile arrival at the club this summer.
