Everton suffered defeat on Monday night, opening the new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 loss at Leeds United.
David Moyes suffered just five defeats in 20 games after returning to Everton last season.
The Scot guided Everton away from trouble after replacing Sean Dyche, and is now looking to see the Toffees kick on.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joined Everton from Chelsea in a significant move to bolster Moyes’ engine room, before Jack Grealish completed a loan move from Manchester City.
The buzz around Grealish’s arrival saw Paul Merson predict an Everton win over Leeds, but Moyes’ side fell flat at Elland Road.
Leeds ran out 1-0 winners against Everton, with Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty handing the newly-promoted Whites all three points to start the season.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesJack Grealish sends message to Everton fans ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion clash
Grealish did come on to make his debut, stepping off the bench in the second half as Everton looked for an attacking spark.
The England wide man wasn’t able to help Everton secure a positive result, but there were some encouraging signs from the winger.
Grealish is understandably a little rusty after a lack of playing time at City, and Moyes resisted the temptation to start him against Leeds.
That could change against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend, and Grealish is already looking ahead to that encounter.
Posting on his Instagram story, Grealish reflected on Monday’s defeat, admitting that it was an ‘unfortunate’ result at Elland Road.
Grealish added that he is ‘so proud’ to have made his Everton debut, and can’t wait to face Brighton on Sunday.
‘Unfortunate result but so proud to make my debut for this great club! Can’t wait for Sunday!!’ said Grealish, who now has a home debut in his sights.
David Moyes could unleash Jack Grealish from the start against Brighton
If Everton’s creative players were looking to step up in the face of new competition from Grealish, then it didn’t show.
Everton were toothless against Leeds, managing just seven shots and only one on target in a disappointing display.
Grealish may now be seen as the man to unlock defences and provide a spark in this Everton side, and he would surely love to start on Sunday.
This Sunday’s game sees Everton play a Premier League game at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, so Moyes would certainly love to start with a victory.
Grealish will be knocking on the door for a start and would back himself to make a big impact if called upon against the Seagulls.