In an emotional curtain call to 133 years of footballing memories, Everton bid farewell to their historic Goodison Park home with a spirited 2-0 victory over Southampton Sunday afternoon.
The iconic stadium, long considered the heart and soul of the Toffees’ identity, witnessed one final triumph as fans packed the stands to commemorate the occasion.
The energy inside the ground was palpable from the outset, and Everton responded with early intensity. Within just six minutes, Iliman Ndiaye ignited the celebration by capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
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Pouncing on a loose ball near the edge of the box, the forward surged forward and unleashed a precise low strike into the bottom-left corner—an opening goal that symbolized a perfect start to a historic day.
Striker Beto thought he had doubled the lead twice before halftime, only to be denied by the offside flag in both the 29th and 33rd minutes. However, Everton’s persistence paid off just before the break. After a slick sequence of passing, Dwight McNeil’s deflected ball fell invitingly.
Though Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale came out to clear, the ever-alert Ndiaye beat him to the ball, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted home his ninth goal of the campaign.
Southampton, who had offered little in the opening half, raised their game after the interval. From an expected goals rating of 0.00 at halftime, they improved significantly, finishing the match at 1.16 goal. Their best opportunity came late on in the 84th minute. Jordan Pickford was called into action to deny Archer, and Will Smallbone agonizingly struck the post with the rebound.
Despite Southampton’s late pressure, Everton held firm. They ended the match with an over 2.39 goals making the most of their chances on a day when the result mattered far more than the stats.
The victory not only halted a frustrating run of seven home matches without a win, but also provided a fitting send-off to Goodison Park—an emotional full stop to a story that began in 1892.
As the Toffees prepare to turn a new page in a new stadium, this final chapter at their beloved home will be remembered as one of pride, passion, and a performance worthy of its legacy.
