Brighton and Hove Albion enjoyed a fine start to the new Premier League season with a 3-0 victory against Everton at Goodison Park.
It was an impressive beginning for Albion's new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who, aged 31, become the youngest ever permanent manager in Premier League history.
Hurzeler's agressive and front foot approach proved too much for Sean Dyche's Everton to deal with and even more so on 66 minutes as Ashley Young was dismissed for a foul on Kaoru Mitoma.
Albion silenced a lively Goodison Park crowd on 25 minutes as Mitoma scored from close range after excellent build up play from £30m new signing Yankuba Minteh. The former Newcastle man was however forced off just before halftime due to concussion protocols.
Everton had a penalty overturned after the break after VAR adjudged Lewis Dunk's challenge on home striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to be fair. Probably the right decision.
Experienced striker Danny Welbeck then made Everton pay further on 56 minutes as he drove at the defence and calmly slotted home with his left foot. Substitute Simon Adingra added a late third, while Yasin Ayari had a fourth ruled by VAR for offside. Brighton fans left the stadium singing: “we are going to win the league.”
Here’s how the Albion players rated at Goodison Park...
5. Lewis Dunk - 7
The skipper only played once in pre-season. He looked a little rusty at times but overall solid and will get better with a run of games. His challenge on Calvert Lewin was given as a penalty but correctly overturned by VAR. Subbed with 20 to go for Webster. Photo: Carl Recine
6. Jack Hinshelwood - 8
The new Pascal Gross. Played left back and looked as though he'd played there all his life. He was up against Everton's most lively player in Harrison too. Photo: Jan Kruger
7. Mats Wieffer - 8
I really like the look of the £25m summer addition. A decent showing in midfield. Lost possession a few times and got in a muddle on the edge of his box early in the second half but resultant penalty over-turned by VAR. But elsewhere a very good 90 minutes. Competitive and calm in the holding midfield role. Albion have finally replaced Caicedo! Photo: Jan Kruger
8. James Milner - 7
Ultra reliable in central midfield and a nice combination alongside Wieffer. A good outing for the 38 year-old playing in his 23 consecutive season in the PL. Photo: Carl Recine