The beginning of the end for Goodison Park heralded the start of a potentially beautiful friendship for Fabian Hürzeler and Brighton. The youngest permanent manager in Premier League history delivered a debut to savour as the visitors spoiled Everton’s final opening day at their home of 132 years with an emphatic victory.
A determined start from Everton was a distant memory by the time Simon Adingra converted Brighton’s third goal. The margin of victory should have been much bigger. Brighton were full of energy and ideas against opponents that ran out of both and whose performance unravelled in the second half. Seasoned attendees will have been familiar with the scenes of disintegration. For the 31-year-old Hürzeler, however, first impressions were hugely positive.
