Everton’s Premier League opener at Goodison Park on Saturday ended in disaster as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton, marking Fabian Hürzeler’s debut in charge of the Seagulls with a resounding victory.
The match began with a flurry of activity; Jack Harrison had an Everton goal disallowed, while João Pedro’s penalty appeal was waved off, and moments later, his shot struck the crossbar.
At the other end, Dwight McNeil also saw his effort denied by the woodwork.
Brighton eventually broke the deadlock when Kaoru Mitoma was left unmarked in the penalty area, converting a simple pass into the opener.
The game remained frenetic after halftime, with Everton’s fortunes taking a turn for the worse.
Lewis Dunk’s challenge on Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box initially awarded Everton a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
Seizing the opportunity, Brighton quickly extended their lead with a goal from Danny Welbeck.
Everton’s situation deteriorated further when Ashley Young was sent off for a foul on Mitoma, becoming the oldest player to receive a red card in Premier League history.
The numerical disadvantage proved costly as Welbeck set up Adingra for a second goal, a finish strikingly similar to his own earlier effort.
The Toffees were fortunate not to concede more as Yasin Ayari’s injury-time goal was disallowed for offside, capping a grim day for Everton and marking a triumphant start for Brighton under Hürzeler’s stewardship.
