The end of a Premier League season can be a little strange. You have been fighting tooth and nail all winter long to either keep your place in the league, or you are pushing to qualify for Europe or winning a title. Some teams, like Everton, are not in a relegation battle, but also aren’t pushing for Europe, so the levels usually drop a bit. In April Everton secured their place in the Premier League next season when Bramley Moore Dock opens next season. Everton did face a tough set of fixtures and they lost a lot of matches, but as this season winds down, it’s less about the results on the pitch, and more about savoring the last few matches at Goodison Park.
Liverpool v Everton
The final derby of the 2024/25 season was an abject disaster. Everton were excellent in the first half. Created a couple of dangerous chances, including a goal that was chalked off for offsides, even though it might not of been, and Beto hitting the post, but they could not find a goal. The Blues also did a great job of keeping Liverpool in check as well, it was looking like it might be going Everton’s way. Then the second half started. Everton were second to every ball, sloppy at the back, couldn’t get any possession, oh and the ref calling everything under the sun in favor of Liverpool. The break through came with just 15 minutes left in the match. Jota scored after a scramble on the edge of the penalty area. For some reason the goal was allowed to stand even though Jota was in an offsides position was played towards him forcing James Tarkowski to make a play on the ball. VAR was having none of it, and that lone goal ended up being the winner.
Everton v Arsenal
There wasn’t a whole lot going on in this match. Everton were really second fiddle to arsenal all afternoon. The stats bear that out, and if you watched the match you would of seen that too. Arsenal opened the scoring on a quick counter attack, after Raheem Sterling played Trossard in behind the Everton he beat Pickford to his left and it was 1-0 gunners. Everton did get one back when Jack Harrison was brought down the Arsenal penalty area in the 46th minute. Ndiaye finished off the penalty 3 minutes later, and in the end the points were shared as the match finished 1-1.
Forest v Everton
Everton produced what was their best performance and their only win in the month of April. From the kickoff Everton were all over Forest. Lots of possession, creating chances, not letting Forest get a sniff of the ball. Despite all of this in the first half, and being carried into the second half it was looking like it was all going to be for not. Until Dwight McNeil came on to the pitch. It was his second appearance after coming back from a knee injury. McNeil forced a turnover of Murrilo around midfield and McNeil played a sublime pass to Doucoure who made no mistake and scored the winning goal in the 94th minute.
Everton v Manchester City
Everton might not of won this match, but it was a good display of resilience. They held off a much better Manchester City side for nearly 85 minutes and maybe would of been for the entire match if James Tarkowski wouldn’t of had to come off injured in the 52nd minute. When Michael Keane came on the confidence of the backline crumbled and Everton were eventually broken down, with City scoring two goals late in the match to seal the victory. IF not for a couple good saves from Stefan Ortega, Everton might of even drawn this match too.
Chelsea v Everton
This was the first time since Everton secured their safety where it looked the team was on the beach. Everton didn’t really put up much of a fight all afternoon. The goal from Chelsea came from a sloppy giveaway and Chelsea punished them promptly. Everton did come alive at the end of the second half forcing Robert Sanchez into more than a few outstanding saves. Seems like this happens to Everton a lot where keepers just pull the incredible out of the hat. Alas, Everton were unable to score and Chelsea took the match 1-0.
Off the pitch
There was a little bit of Everton news that happened off the pitch in April for the Blues. The Director of Football Kevin Thelwell left his post at Everton and was hired by Glasgow Rangers to be their new sporting director. It is unclear at this time if Everton are going to look for an out and out replacement for Thelwell or if there will be further changes to the structure of how Everton run the recruitment offices. James Vaughn has also left Everton. He was in charge of Academy recruitment and player pathways. Dan Micciche also left the academy. Dan was in charge of player development at the academy level. He left for an opportunity in the middle east. On the ownership side of Everton, the Friedkin group added a few more people to the group. Christopher Sarofim an American billionaire was added to the group as an investor. His company Sarofim International management is worth 23 billion dollars. The other person added to the ownership group is a bit more famous, at least in the United States. Jason Kidd a multi time NBA all star and the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. Kidd’s role in the ownership group is unknown at this time, but at the very least this adds a famous American name that will help recognition with other sports fans in the States.
Everton had some tough matches and safety was secured for next season, but now there is only one match left to go at Goodison Park. The bulid up to that match will be special, and all the pictures and videos, and stories about our grand old ground should be savored.
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