BBC pundit reveals emotional reaction as Everton survive in Premier League
Stephen Warnock detailed the emotional, euphoric scenes around him at Goodison Park as the Everton supporters celebrated Abdoulaye Doucoure’s wonder goal against Bournemouth, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Mali international produced a sublime volley to give the Toffees the only goal of the game, which secured their Premier League status on the final day of the season.
The BBC pundit described an “absolutely wonderful” outpouring of joy from the Evertonians as Sean Dyche’s side secured the win that they required to avoid relegation to the Championship.
On co-commentary duty for BBC Radio 5 Live, Warnock surveyed the scene as bedlam unfolded all around him.
It was the moment that the vast majority inside the stadium had been waiting for, as the 30-year-old midfielder made another vital contribution to the Everton cause.
“The best player on the pitch, the player who has tried to make things happen,” he said.
“He catches it like you’ll never catch a ball again.
“Goodison Park has absolutely erupted. There are people with tears in their eyes in front of us. Everyone is hugging each other. It is absolutely unbelievable.”
Turning point
Relief, Joy. Satisfaction.
All that and more was the feeling all around Goodison upon the final whistle as a fraught, anxious and difficult campaign came to a conclusion.
The Toffees live to fight another day in the Premier League and the main factor in that, is the manager, Sean Dyche.
He provided leadership and direction over the final months of the season, with his squad decimated by injuries and blighted by poor form but they did enough, and no more, to avoid the drop.
Dyche came into the club when Everton was three points inside the relegation zone and the campaign ends, as the day started, with them two points outside it.
The former Burnley boss fulfilled his initial remit to keep the club in the top flight, now they can move on from what should be a turning point with fresh investment and the new stadium just around the corner.