Manchester United continues to search for their first Premier League win of the season following a 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday. In contrast, Everton, inspired by Jack Grealish, celebrated their new stadium’s opening with a 2-0 triumph over Brighton.
Ruben Amorim’s team rued a missed opportunity as Bruno Fernandes failed to convert a first-half penalty, allowing Fulham to equalize at Craven Cottage.
United took the lead through Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal, but Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to secure a draw for Fulham.
Amorim aims to improve upon last season’s disappointing 15th-place finish. However, his new £200 million forward line, comprising Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, is yet to make a significant impact.
Despite a promising performance, United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their season opener and may feel another two points slipped away in West London.
Fulham believed they were on the wrong end of two contentious decisions.
The penalty awarded to United followed a VAR review for Calvin Bassey’s challenge on Mason Mount.
Usually dependable, Fernandes missed the target, sending his shot over the bar.
United’s first goal of the season came courtesy of Muniz deflecting Leny Yoro’s header into his own net.
Fulham protested the lack of VAR intervention on Yoro’s push on Bassey.
Still, Fulham leveled the score when former Arsenal player Smith Rowe converted Alex Iwobi’s cross, untracked, 17 minutes from time.
Everton’s New Era
With an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, Everton hopes their new 53,000-seat stadium will reignite their past glory.
Only four clubs have more top-flight titles than Everton’s nine.
Despite not winning a major trophy in 30 years, Everton spent their last seasons at Goodison fighting relegation.
“We’re aiming to advance the club. This is a significant step for Everton,” said manager David Moyes.
Grealish is a high-profile addition to Moyes’ squad, showcasing his talent, which led Manchester City to pay Aston Villa £100 million four years ago, assisting both goals.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the last goal at Goodison and made history with the first goal at Everton’s new stadium.
Grealish set up with a precise cross that Ndiaye met at the back post in the 23rd minute.
Brighton missed several chances and left Merseyside empty-handed.
Kaoru Mitoma hit the bar, and Jan Paul van Hecke hit the post, while Danny Welbeck missed an open goal.
James Garner extended Everton’s lead with a powerful strike from Grealish’s pass.
Brighton had a chance to make it a tense finish, but Jordan Pickford saved Welbeck’s weak penalty, sealing a memorable day for the Toffees.
Nuno’s Commitment
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo affirmed his commitment after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Callum Hudson-Odoi secured a point for Forest after Ismaila Sarr’s opener for Palace.
Nuno dismissed rumors of a deteriorating relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis amidst speculation of his potential dismissal.
“That’s nonsense. It makes no sense,” said the Portuguese coach regarding an alleged exit strategy.
