
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring his and Everton's second goal in the win against Southampton at Goodison Park
Everton marked the final Premier League game at Goodison Park with victory against Southampton amid emotional scenes at the 133-year-old stadium.
Fans flocked to Goodison Park in their thousands hours before kick-off, packing the streets as they came to say a final farewell before the men's senior team move to a new arena at Bramley-Moore Dock, now known as the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In a stunning atmosphere and a sea of blue, Everton responded by easily beating relegated Southampton in the Merseyside sunshine.
Iliman Ndiaye was the star of the show, getting in the party mood with a stylish low finish after six minutes then, after Beto had seen two goals ruled out for offside, rounding Saints' keeper Aaron Ramsdale to double Everton's lead in first-half stoppage time.
The second period was played out in testimonial fashion, although there was still time for Everton keeperJordan PIckford to distinguish himself with a superb late save from Cameron Archer.
While the game was, in some ways, incidental, Everton's win continues the improvement they have shown under manager David Moyes since he succeeded the sacked Sean Dyche in January.
Everton's women's team will now call Goodison Park home as Moyes' side ended the men's era at the ground in fitting fashion.
- Published4 days ago
- Published4 days ago
Everton deliver final flourish
'Everybody together, standing together' - David Moyes on extraordinary Goodison send off
This day was all about Everton's men's team saying goodbye to their grand old stadium in a manner befitting the occasion, and this they did.
Everton's 36-year-old captain Seamus Coleman may have only lasted 17 minutes, but this was enough time for the ers who idolise the defender signed for a bargain £60,000 in January 2009 to give the Irish right-back a rapturous reception, both when his name was announced and when he was replaced.
The whole game was played out against an emotional, celebratory backdrop, with Southampton the ideal party guests as they played like a side with only 12 points this season.
Ashley Young came on for Coleman for his final Everton appearance at Goodison Park while Abdoulaye Doucoure, another expected to leave, wiped away tears when he was taken off in the second half to a standing ovation.
Ndiaye received a similar accolade for his two-goal show, but this was a demonstration of appreciation for a player Everton's fans hope will be a central figure in a brighter future under Moyes and new American owners, the Friedkin Group.
The final minutes were awash with noise and emotion - and now Everton move on.
Saints' long road to the Championship
Southampton interim manager Simon Rusk reflects on 'difficult first half'
Southampton were bystanders at Everton's farewell party and, while there was no lack of effort, they gave the impression that they simply cannot wait for this season to end.
With former Lens manager Will Still linked with the manager's post as they embark on a rebuild for next season in the Championship, this was just another fixture and another defeat out of the way in a miserable campaign.
As Everton eased up, Saints did create opportunities but there was no cutting edge and Pickford was only seriously tested by that late block from Archer.
Full credit to Southampton's fans, who packed out their corner of Goodison Park, despite suffering a season of unrelenting misery.
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