Brighton’s Hurzeler Makes Winning Premier League Debut

Brighton’s new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, began his Premier League career with a notable victory, handing Everton a dismal start to their final season at Goodison Park. The 31-year-old Hurzeler, the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history, guided Brighton to a 3-0 win, leaving Everton struggling before their move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.

At Goodison Park, Everton’s home since 1892, Jack Harrison had an early goal disallowed for offside during an intense first half. Joao Pedro rattled the post for Brighton. Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for Brighton by finishing a cross from debutant Yankuba Minteh, who had been linked with a move to Everton over the summer. In the second half, VAR overturned Everton’s penalty appeal which led to Brighton capitalizing on the mistake.

Idrissa Gueye misplaced a pass, allowing Danny Welbeck to score with a clinical finish. Ashley Young’s red card for pulling back Mitoma further compounded Everton’s woes and Simon Adingra scored Brighton’s third goal late in the game. Hurzeler, who replaced Roberto de Zerbi made headlines with his managerial debut. The German coach, who led St. Pauli to the Bundesliga, expressed pride in his team’s performance but focused on the collective effort rather than his own achievement.

Veteran James Milner’s participation, marking a record 23rd Premier League season, added an interesting subplot to the match. Despite Everton’s attempts to salvage the game with Niclas Fullkrug and Danny Ings, they fell short. Manager Sean Dyche criticized the overturned penalty decision and lamented the team’s inability to convert chances, leaving Everton in a precarious position at the bottom of the table.