Everton signed off from Goodison Park with a sense of optimism, beating Southampton in what was the men’s team’s final game at the historic ground. A brace from Iliman Ndiaye sealed the 2-0 win, allowing the club to close the chapter at Goodison on a positive note and look ahead to a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes, who returned to the club in January to guide Everton away from relegation trouble, expressed pride in the team’s progress and the atmosphere surrounding the occasion. His remarks reflected a sense of healing and unity that has emerged after years of turbulence both on and off the pitch.
“I am pleased with the result. I wanted to make sure we finished on a high,” Moyes said. “We finish in a good enough fashion.” But beyond the result, Moyes sensed a more profound shift taking place. “I think more the feeling that there might be a club which is coming back together,” he said. “There were signs that before there was a real break-up a sort of love affair with the supporters, the players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back.”
Goodison Park, Everton’s home since 1892, was packed with fans eager to witness the club’s final Premier League appearance at the iconic venue. Supporters gathered outside the ground in large numbers before kickoff, celebrating the rich history and emotional significance of the stadium. Moyes noted the energy and unity the occasion generated, describing the scenes as “incredible.”
The match itself was a fitting tribute. Ndiaye’s goals showcased both skill and composure, the second coming after he deftly sidestepped goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale before slotting the ball home. The result moved Everton to mid-table safety, far removed from the relegation battle they faced earlier in the season.
Moyes acknowledged the symbolic weight of the day. “It felt like a club which is needing some big days, some big things in the future,” he said. “So let’s hope this is the start of it.” He also hinted at the importance of maintaining the connection and atmosphere built at Goodison, hoping it will carry over to the club’s new stadium.
The transition to the Hill Dickinson Stadium represents a new chapter for Everton, but Sunday’s victory and the scenes that surrounded it were a powerful reminder of what the club has been and what it can become again. Moyes’ leadership, along with performances like Ndiaye’s, offers hope that Everton can build a new legacy with solid foundations and fan backing.
Meanwhile, the defeat confirmed Southampton’s fate at the bottom of the Premier League. With only 12 points and one match remaining, their return to the Championship is sealed. The club has been without a permanent manager since their relegation became a near-certainty and is currently in discussions with Tom Cleverley and Will Still to fill the vacancy.
Simon Rusk, serving as interim head coach, admitted the situation has been tough. “My concern is to continue to support the players,” he said. “That was what I wanted to do with these seven games in extremely tough circumstances.” He pointed to last week’s draw against Manchester City as a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign.
As Everton look to the future with renewed hope, Southampton face the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up. For Moyes and his team, though, the final chapter at Goodison Park ended in the best way possible with a win and a sense that better days may lie ahead.
