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Everton will remain in the Premier League next season after claiming a huge 1-0 win over Bournemouth on the final day thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s screamer.
The Toffees were the better team in the opening 45 minutes but could break the deadlock despite James Garner and Idrissa Gueye going close, and were furious when they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Demarai Gray.
They came out in the second half under far more pressure with Leicester holding the lead against West Ham and knew they had to push for a goal far more urgently than they had been.
Gray missed a huge chance early on, before Abdoulaye Doucoure struck a stunning half volley from the edge of the box into the net to give Everton a lead to defend.
And defend it they did, getting to the 100th minute and keeping a clean sheet to ensure they’re still a top-flight club.
Here is how Goodison News rated the performance of each Everton player from today’s game..
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Jordan Pickford – 7/10
Pickford had very little to do throughout but he was composed when he needed to be and and had solid distribution throughout to keep Everton on top throughout the game.
Conor Coady – 8/10
A true leader on the pitch once again and he showed why he’s one of t he best around in a three-centre-back system. His concentration was high, he was involved in the opposition box at set-pieces but most importantly he did his defensive duties perfectly. Get him signed up.
James Tarkowski – 6/10
It wasn’t his best day overall but his fantastic season has contributed to us staying up. He made a big error in the first half that almost cost us, but overall he had a decent showing.
Yerry Mina – 8/10
What a colossal defender this man is. Won everything in the air, was physical against Dominic Solanke throughout the game and a constant threat in the opposition box. He will be sorely missed, but what a performance in his final game.
Alex Iwobi – 5/10
Iwobi looked uncomfortable in a hybrid role on the left side of the pitch, and his final ball was lacking once again. But his effort cannot be criticised and he once again gave everything for the shirt. He’ll do anything for this club, and he’s another one who needs to get signed up on a new deal as soon as possible.
Dwight McNeil – 6/10
One of the better players since Dyche came into the club, his performances have suffered in recent weeks after being forced to move out of his preferred position. It was more of the same today as he was targeted by the opposition, but he held firm and did well to ultimately put in a strong display.
James Garner – 8/10
Considering he barely got a look in during the first half of the season, Garner has become a key cog in the Sean Dyche machine and turned in a brilliant performance out of position. He was composed on the ball, strong in the tackle and almost scored in the first half with a belter too. £15m well spent.
Idrissa Gueye – 7/10
An inspired signing by Frank Lampard last summer, the experience and mentality of this man was excellent in the middle. He never got carried away on the ball and kept things simple, but also was constant in his defensive duties. Should have scored in the first half, but not a surprise he missed considering his goal record.
Amadou Onana – 6/10
Clearly brought into the side to do a job, Onana did that job well. He wasn’t spectacular in possession and wasn’t perfect defensively, but he burst through the lines on occasion and did exactly what was asked of him. Fingers crossed he’s still here next season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 10/10
The man can do no wrong. What a goal and what a performance from the man who has saved this club from absolute combustion. He gave everything, battled hard in midfield and made sure he supported Gray at every opportunity. If Lampard had played him, maybe we wouldn’t have been in this position to begin with.
Demarai Gray – 6/10
Once again Gray was played out of position so it’s hard to mark him down too much, but that big chance at the start of the second half simply had to go in. He ran hard, he pressed the defence well and was a threat running down the channels, but it’s quite clear he isn’t a centre-forward.
Substitutes
Ellis Simms – N/A