Jack Grealish needed that. Evertonians needed that. Hill Dickinson Stadium needed that.

There were a trio of official ‘test events’ before the Blues’ new 52,769 capacity home received its safety certificate. However, those foundations that were piled into the filled-in Bramley-Moore Dock and stunning barrel roof that covers this already iconic venue on the banks of the Mersey were given their sternest examination yet as the ground shook to its core following the stoppage time winner that brought Crystal Palace’s six-month unbeaten run to a grinding halt.

Oliver Glasner’s side have been living their best lives in 2025, carving out an existence that loyal but long-suffering Blues supporters can only dream of. While Everton are enduring the longest silverware drought in their history, the Eagles lifted the FA Cup at Wembley after defeating Manchester City for what was their first ever major trophy (we’re not counting their 4-1 victory in the 1991 Zenith Data Systems Cup final when Howard Kendall’s side capitulated in extra time and Neville Southall, who would go on to become the club’s most-decorated player, refused to go up the steps to collect his runners-up medal).

OPINION