Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a dominant performance against Everton, securing a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park in their Premier League opener. Under the guidance of new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton showcased their attacking prowess, while Everton’s struggles were compounded by a red card for veteran defender Ashley Young.
Also Read:
Match Overview
From the outset, Brighton looked the more composed side, effectively controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. The Seagulls’ first goal came in the 25th minute, a testament to their fluid attacking play. Debutant Yankuba Minteh provided a precise assist, finding Kaoru Mitoma at the back post. Mitoma, with his trademark composure, slotted the ball home, putting Brighton ahead and silencing the home crowd.
Everton, despite the early setback, fought hard to get back into the game. They had a brief moment of hope when Dominic Calvert-Lewin tangled with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk in the penalty area. Initially awarded a penalty, the decision was overturned after a VAR review showed Calvert-Lewin had stood on Dunk, further frustrating the Toffees.
Brighton’s dominance continued in the second half. In the 56th minute, Danny Welbeck capitalized on a mistake by Everton’s defense, finishing off a well-placed pass from Mats Wieffer. The goal doubled Brighton’s lead and left Everton with an uphill battle.
The game took a decisive turn in the 63rd minute when Ashley Young received a red card for pulling down Mitoma, leaving Everton to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. Brighton seized the opportunity to press their advantage. In the 87th minute, Simon Adingra added a third goal, curling a stunning shot from outside the box, with Welbeck providing the assist.
Although Yasin Ayari thought he had scored a fourth for Brighton, his goal was disallowed after a VAR review due to an offside call. Nonetheless, the Seagulls secured a comprehensive victory, marking an excellent start to their Premier League campaign.
Key Moments
- 25’ Goal: Kaoru Mitoma finishes from close range, assisted by Yankuba Minteh, putting Brighton ahead.
- 56’ Goal: Danny Welbeck doubles the lead with a cool finish from the edge of the area, following a pass from Mats Wieffer.
- 63’ Red Card: Ashley Young is sent off for pulling down Mitoma, leaving Everton with 10 men.
- 87’ Goal: Simon Adingra scores a stunning third goal from outside the box, assisted by Welbeck.
- 89’ Disallowed Goal: Yasin Ayari’s goal is overturned by VAR due to offside.
Match Statistics
- Possession: Everton 38.2% | Brighton 61.8%
- Shots on Target: Everton 1 | Brighton 5
- Total Shots: Everton 9 | Brighton 10
- Passes: Everton 344 | Brighton 575
- Touches: Everton 529 | Brighton 744
- Corners: Everton 1 | Brighton 5
- Fouls Conceded: Everton 8 | Brighton 8
- Yellow Cards: Everton 1 | Brighton 1
- Red Cards: Everton 1 | Brighton 0
- Offsides: Everton 7 | Brighton 1
Brighton’s Dominance Under Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler’s first match as Brighton’s head coach could not have gone better. His side played with confidence, discipline, and clinical precision. The team’s defensive solidity, combined with their ability to exploit Everton’s weaknesses, was key to this victory.
Kaoru Mitoma’s performance was particularly impressive, as he continuously troubled Everton’s defense with his pace and movement. Danny Welbeck also stood out, not only for his goal but for his overall contribution to the team’s attacking efforts.
Brighton’s win sees them temporarily top the Premier League table, a position they will hope to maintain as the season progresses. In contrast, Everton’s performance raised concerns, and they will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid another disappointing season.
English Premier League Points Table
Check the below mentioned for English Premier League points table from the below mentioned table.
| English Premier League Points Table 2024-2025 | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Arsenal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Liverpool | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Aston Villa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Manchester United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Newcastle United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Nottingham Forest | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Brentford | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chelsea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Crystal Palace | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Leicester City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Manchester City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| West Ham United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| Fulham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Southampton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Ipswich Town | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Everton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Looking Ahead
Everton will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to improve their attacking output if they are to turn their season around. Brighton, on the other hand, will be buoyed by this victory and will look to build on this strong start as they aim to challenge for a top-half finish.
