Everton bade an emotional farewell to Goodison Park with a 2-0 win over Southampton, impressed by a first-half brace from Iliman Ndiaye.
On a day of nostalgia and celebration on Merseyside, the Toffees delivered a efficiency full of power and objective, making positive their historic floor was signed off in model.
From the first whistle, the hosts appeared decided to rise to the event and provides the followers 90 minutes that they’d keep in mind.
Simply six minutes in, Ndiaye sparked jubilant scenes with a sensational strike. Pouncing on a unfastened ball at the edge of the Southampton field, the Senegalese ahead drove into the space and rifled a low effort into the bottom-left nook, past the attain of Aaron Ramsdale.
It was a purpose that completely matched the temper of the day and it was mirrored within the celebrations from the stands.
Everton continued to dominate proceedings all through a largely one-sided first half.
Beto twice thought he had doubled their lead – first with a composed end dominated out for offside, then with a towering header disallowed moments later.
FT. Signing off at Goodison Park with three factors! UTFT! 🙌
[2-0] #EVESOU pic.twitter.com/U83g5V9Fdc
— Everton (@Everton) Could 18, 2025
The second purpose, when it got here simply earlier than the break, felt inevitable. A slick passing transfer ended with Dwight McNeil’s ricocheted through-ball falling kindly for Ndiaye.
The 25-year-previous confirmed sensible tempo and composure to spherical Ramsdale and faucet into an empty internet, bringing up his ninth Premier League purpose of the season and giving the house followers one other motive to rejoice.
Southampton provided little in response, failing to register a single shot in the first half. Their attacking efforts marginally improved after the break, with Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone each going shut, however Everton’s defence remained largely untroubled.
Jordan Pickford produced a couple of sharp saves, together with a key block from Stewart, to protect the clear sheet.
In a match steeped in sentiment, there have been emotional farewells for Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure, each substituted to heat applause. Coleman’s early withdrawal could sign the finish of his storied Everton profession, whereas Doucoure, whose contract expires this summer season, left the subject visibly moved.
As full-time approached and substitutions slowed the rhythm, consideration turned to the stands. Membership legends descended pitchside, whereas followers soaked in each final second of top-flight soccer at Goodison.
With chants echoing round the well-known previous floor, Everton ensured their last Premier League match at Goodison Park ended with the consequence and efficiency the event deserved.
