The fifth and final part on the ECHO's potted summary of Everton's 2023/24 season
The 2023/24 season was one of the most tumultuous in Everton’s history and that’s saying something given all the club has been through both on and off the pitch in recent years.
It was a joke that spurred the away end, so impressively, passionately vocal throughout this fight despite the struggles of their team, into a rendition of “England’s number one”. When the final whistle then blew it was Pickford’s name that was on the lips of frustrated Newcastle supporters as they disappeared to the concourses.
The result might not increase the gap to the bottom three, but it did protect the advantage - and it may prove a turning point for a side that can savour that winning feeling for the first time in almost four months in the Premier League. For two years those supporters have pulled a club through its troubles. It was against Chelsea that they mustered so incredibly for the first Goodison coach welcome that kickstarted the run to safety under Frank Lampard. If they are to do the same for a third campaign then they need to be given some inspiration. Instead, the only applause from the travelling supporters on Monday night was from a handful of fans who acknowledged Cole Palmer as he left the pitch having scored four goals.
But just like in the aftermath of Newcastle last season, when Everton picked up eight points from the final five games to stay up, Dyche managed to find a response when it mattered. Because of that, those in Royal Blue shirts were able to look those in the stands in the eye amid the celebrations on the final whistle. Forest, meanwhile, were left scrabbling for survival on the pitch and credibility off it.
This beautiful stadium has deserved better than relegation fights in its final years. But it is at its fiercest best when this side has its back against the wall. This was a spiteful, aggressive, ruthless performance when this club really needed it. That fight, on the pitch, is now over. After everything thrown at this group of players and fanbase, that is a remarkable achievement. There will be no dogfight for the cameras at Luton. There will be sleep this May. Everton have had the last laugh.Verdict : Socks around his ankles, Ross Barkley shared a hug with Jordan Pickford and turned to the Everton supporters and clapped.
Verdict : The absence of any figures from 777 Partners was not a surprise but told a story of its own.
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