Brighton & Hove Albion’s young manager, Fabian Hurzeler celebrated a stunning start to his managerial career, leading his side to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.
The defeat marks a disheartening beginning for the Toffees as they approach their final season at their historic home ground.
Hurzeler, at just 31 years old, made history as the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history. His team showcased an attacking display that quickly erased any romantic notions surrounding the occasion, as Everton prepares to bid farewell to their home since 1892.
The match opened with intensity, characterized by a flurry of tackles that set the tone for a fiercely contested first half. Everton had an early breakthrough denied, with Jack Harrison’s goal ruled offside, while Brighton came knocking on the door when Joao Pedro hit the post with a powerful low shot.
It was Brighton who broke the deadlock in the first half, as Kaoru Mitoma found the net with a simple finish at the back post. The goal stemmed from a well-executed move involving debutant Yankuba Minteh, who had been heavily linked with a move to Everton before opting to join the Seagulls this summer.
Frustration mounted for Everton, whose second-half efforts were dashed when a potential penalty was overturned. Radioing for the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Simon Hooper reviewed the incident where Lewis Dunk appeared to catch Dominic Calvert-Lewin. To the dismay of the home crowd, the decision went against the Toffees.
The situation worsened for Everton as Idrissa Gueye misplayed a crucial pass in midfield, allowing Brighton’s attack to flourish. Danny Welbeck capitalized on the mistake, executing a lovely finish from the edge of the box that sent Brighton into a commanding 2-0 lead.
Everton’s woes were compounded when Ashley Young, in a desperate attempt to halt a Brighton counter, received a red card for bringing down Mitoma as the last man. This further dashed any hopes of a comeback, and the Seagulls soon sealed a decisive victory when Simon Adingra slotted home a third goal late in the match.
The result leaves Everton grappling with the pressure of early season expectations, while Brighton’s Hurzeler has laid down a marker for his tenure.
