Everton bade an emotional farewell to Goodison Park with a 2-0 win over Southampton, inspired by a first-half brace from Iliman Ndiaye.
On a day of nostalgia and celebration on Merseyside, the Toffees delivered a performance full of energy and purpose, making sure their historic ground was signed off in style.
From the first whistle, the hosts appeared determined to rise to the occasion and give the fans 90 minutes that they would remember.
Just six minutes in, Ndiaye sparked jubilant scenes with a sensational strike. Pouncing on a loose ball at the edge of the Southampton box, the Senegalese forward drove into the area and rifled a low effort into the bottom-left corner, beyond the reach of Aaron Ramsdale.
It was a goal that perfectly matched the mood of the day and it was reflected in the celebrations from the stands.
Everton continued to dominate proceedings throughout a largely one-sided first half.
Beto twice thought he had doubled their lead – first with a composed finish ruled out for offside, then with a towering header disallowed moments later.
FT. Signing off at Goodison Park with three points! UTFT! 🙌
[2-0] #EVESOU pic.twitter.com/U83g5V9Fdc
— Everton (@Everton) May 18, 2025
The second goal, when it came just before the break, felt inevitable. A slick passing move ended with Dwight McNeil’s ricocheted through-ball falling kindly for Ndiaye.
The 25-year-old showed brilliant pace and composure to round Ramsdale and tap into an empty net, bringing up his ninth Premier League goal of the season and giving the home fans another reason to celebrate.
Southampton offered little in response, failing to register a single shot in the first half. Their attacking efforts marginally improved after the break, with Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone both going close, but Everton’s defence remained largely untroubled.
Jordan Pickford produced a couple of sharp saves, including a key block from Stewart, to preserve the clean sheet.
In a match steeped in sentiment, there were emotional farewells for Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure, both substituted to warm applause. Coleman’s early withdrawal may signal the end of his storied Everton career, while Doucoure, whose contract expires this summer, left the field visibly moved.
As full-time approached and substitutions slowed the rhythm, attention turned to the stands. Club legends descended pitchside, while fans soaked in every last moment of top-flight football at Goodison.
With chants echoing around the famous old ground, Everton ensured their final Premier League match at Goodison Park ended with the result and performance the occasion deserved.
