In a dazzling opening-day display, Brighton and Hove Albion delivered a statement victory against Everton with a resounding 3-0 win at Goodison Park.
This puts the Seagulls at the top of the Premier League table as it stands.
Led by the electrifying Kaoru Mitoma, whose scintillating performance earned him Man of the Match honours, the Seagulls dominated the game from start to finish.
This win was a clear statement of intent from Brighton, who controlled the match from the outset.
From Jason Steele's resolute goalkeeping to Danny Welbeck's clinical finishing, VAVEL broke down how each player contributed to this emphatic victory in the following ratings.
Jason Steele - 7
Steele might not expect much game time this season, as he was most likely filling the place of the injured Bart Verbruggen in this meeting.
However, the ever-reliable 34-year-old was a pair of safe hands for Brighton between the sticks.
Although he was not called into action frequently, he showed great distribution, which will be important in Hürzeler's style of play.
Steele's best moment of the game was his acrobatic save to deny a Jack Harrison effort in the early stages of the game.
It is also hard to fault a 'keeper who keeps a clean sheet.
Joël Veltman - 7
The reliable and unflinching Veltman had a steady game on the right side of the defence.
He dealt effectively with Everton’s attacking threats down his flank, considering how difficult it usually is to keep a dangerous Dwight McNeil at bay.
Although he did not venture forward much, it seemed his primary focus was on keeping things tight at the back, which he did successfully.
His disciplined performance helped ensure that Brighton remained in control throughout the match.
Jan Paul van Hecke - 6
A favourite amongst fans, often tipped to be future Brighton captain, it is great to see van Hecke back in action as he builds his partnership with Lewis Dunk.
He handled the physicality and speed of Everton’s forwards with maturity, making several key clearances and tackles.
However, there were moments where his inexperience showed, particularly in his positioning during fast breaks and with a few misplaced passes.
It is nothing to be worried about in the first game of the season, but more a reflection of the high expectations the young Dutchman has on his shoulders now.
Lewis Dunk - 8
As captain, Dunk is still the lynchpin of Brighton’s defence.
His leadership, as always, is crucial in keeping the backline organised, especially during periods of pressure from Everton.
His performance was as steady as ever.
You know what you are getting when you see Dunk's name on the team sheet; assured defensive quality, class and an eight-out-of-10 performance every week.
Jack Hinshelwood - 6
Whilst many expected Valentín Barco to continue his pre-season form at left-back, the versatile Hinshelwood filled in and had a solid outing.
As always, he looked great on the ball and in possession.
His defensive awareness was commendable, although he sometimes looked a bit shaky as Everton built attacks.
In general, he looks far more comfortable in attacking positions. Despite often being deployed in defensive roles, it would be great to see him utilised in his more preferred midfield role this season.
James Milner - 6
The evergreen James Milner became the only player in Premier League history to play in 23 seasons as he started this contest.
Understandably, he provided the experience and grit needed in a convincing Albion midfield.
He played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the team on Saturday.
Whilst his leadership on the field and in the dressing room cannot be questioned, it is fair to say the midfielder looked a bit sluggish at times.
He will undeniably be an important figure for the squad in the games to come, though, whether on the pitch or off of it.
Mats Wieffer - 7
Many may think seven is a generous rating for the Albion debutant.
Wieffer was bought as a physical ball-winning midfielder and excelled in this role against Everton.
However, he struggled, particularly in the first half, with his ball distribution and frustratingly gave the ball away on several occasions.
This improved as the game progressed and Wieffer grew into the game and the speed of the new league.
The main takeaway is that he reads the game beautifully. He grabbed an assist in the second half for Welbeck's goal as he pounced on a misplaced Everton pass.
Whatever the case, the stats of eight ball recoveries and 22 passes to the opposite half - the most of any player - prove what a talent Brighton have on their hands.
Yankuba Minteh - 8
Minteh could easily have been awarded full marks if he played more than 45 minutes.
What an exciting, 'gets you off your seat', talent Albion have on their hands here.
Minteh continued his pre-season form and was a constant thorn in Everton’s side, using his pace and creativity to unlock their defence.
His assist for the opening goal was a moment of quality as he delivered a perfectly weighted cross that split the defence.
Fans will have been delighted with the way he and Mitoma combined emphatically in the first half, proving a threat on the counter-attack.
Sadly, he only got 45 minutes due to a potential concussion worry. Brighton fans will certainly hope his recovery is as quick as his pace down the right wing.
Kaoru Mitoma - 9
The Kaoru Mitoma of old is back, and the Premier League better be ready.
In his first appearance since February 18, he delivered a masterclass on the wing, tormenting Ashley Young with his pace, dribbling and constant movement.
His goal opened the scoring, as he combined well with Minteh and found space for a tap-in.
He could have had a second if Young did not drag him down when through on goal.
Mitoma was involved in almost every attacking move, creating chances and drawing fouls with his tricky footwork.
His performance was the catalyst for Brighton’s victory and he thoroughly deserved the Man of the Match accolade.
Interestingly, he is now only three goals away from being the top Japanese scorer in the Premier League, chasing down Shinji Okazaki's 14-goal record.
Danny Welbeck - 8
How many more goals does Welbeck need to score before being considered an Albion Premier League icon?
He was, yet again, clinical in front of goal, scoring Brighton’s second with a well-taken finish.
His experience and intelligent movement caused problems for Everton throughout the game.
Welbeck’s ability to hold up the ball and release the speed of the wingers was brilliant.
At 33, he seems to be ageing like a fine wine, one of his best performances for Brighton.
João Pedro - 8
The £30 million Brighton paid for Pedro last summer seems a bargain now, as a player who is a joy to watch.
His movement off the ball and ability to find pockets of space kept defenders guessing as usual.
Pedro is always at the heart of every Albion attack, and he was unlucky not to grab a goal as he hit the post from distance in the first half.
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Substitutes:
Adam Webster - 6
Webster came on to bolster the defence and ensure that Brighton saw out the game with minimal fuss.
His presence always adds physicality and experience to the backline.
Billy Gilmour - 6
Whilst linked with a move away to Napoli, it was great to see Gilmour in an Albion jersey, even if it was for the last time, with a solid and assured midfield performance as always.
Chants of "Billy Gilmour, we want you to stay!" tell you everything you need to know about what the Albion fans think of him.
Jeremy Sarmiento - 6
Sarmiento’s late appearance was more about maintaining Brighton’s attacking pressure and keeping Everton pinned back. He did what he needed to do.
Simon Adingra - 8
Adingra made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring Brighton’s third goal to seal the victory.
Energetic and sharp as always, he surely impressed the new boss as he looked to break into the starting XI.
Yasin Ayari - 8
Scored a goal - albeit a disallowed effort - and showed some great passion in his celebration.
There was not much else to report from Ayari's mere 10 minutes on the pitch, but it would be great to see Ayari feature again in the Premier League.
