Nathan Patterson sends message as Everton survive Premier League relegation battle
Everton star Nathan Patterson sent a message of defiance to the club’s supporters following the drama and emotion at Goodison Park on Sunday 28 May.
His “never want to go through a day like today again” comment will resonate with every single Evertonian after they left it very late to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Sean Dyche’s side secured the Premier League status on the final day of the season thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s sweet strike to record a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
Writing on his Instagram account, the Rangers academy graduate reflected on his first full season on Merseyside.
“First proper season in the Prem comes to an end,” he said.
“Plenty ups and downs but never want to go through a day like today again.
“Kick on next season. Enjoy your summer, Blues.”
Massive challenge
Patterson recently played his part in Everton’s survival, to the satisfaction of Dyche, but once again he was struck down with an injury, just as his opportunity presented itself.
The Scotland international has shown that he is capable in flashes but he needs to show that he can get himself fully fit and in the right condition to be a serious option to make the right flank position his own at Goodison.
The manager will be very keen on the attitude and application of the 21-year-old but he needs him to be available to play. That is the massive challenge that awaits Patterson, next season.
He was another anxious onlooker in the stadium on Sunday afternoon, but his Everton teammates got the job done, knowing that victory over the Cherries was all that they required.
A sense of relief will soon be overtaken by the need for reform, on and off the pitch, if the club’s stagnation is to be addressed over the summer.