Ndiaye Scores Twice as Everton Say Goodbye to Goodison with Victory Over Southampton

Everton marked the end of an era with a 2-0 victory over Southampton, closing the chapter on 133 years at Goodison Park. Iliman Ndiaye had the honour of being the last Premier League player to score at the iconic ground, netting both goals during a moving afternoon.

The sun-soaked atmosphere, filled with a sense of celebration and nostalgia, was quickly transformed into an energetic start from Everton. Less than a minute in, Beto’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Aaron Ramsdale, but the Toffees soon found their rhythm.

A pinpoint through-ball from Jarrard Branthwaite to Ndiaye, deep in Southampton’s half, initiated a quick series of passes that dismantled the Saints’ defence, enabling Ndiaye to create space and slot the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending the crowd at Goodison Park into a frenzy.

The departure of captain Seamus Coleman due to injury was met with a standing ovation, as Ashley Young came on to replace him. Coleman was graciously acknowledged by the stadium announcer before passing the captain’s armband to Jordan Pickford.

Shortly after, Beto misjudged a shot that went wide following some excellent build-up play by Ndiaye, before the Senegalese star found the net twice due to impressive plays, yet both goals were ruled out for offside.

Luckily for the Blues, Ndiaye’s fortunes improved just before half-time. Following a careless mistake by Southampton, Dwight McNeil set him up with a lovely pass allowing Ndiaye to demonstrate his skill by rounding Ramsdale and rolling the ball home. This capped off a dominant first half for Everton.

Despite Everton’s earlier struggles to maintain 2-0 leads at home against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Ipswich Town this season, the second half commenced with a tinge of anxiety among the Goodison faithful.

In response to the situation, Everton initially struggled to maintain their earlier cohesiveness but did create the first significant chances of the half. A swift counter-attack saw James Garner shoot at Ramsdale, while Beto failed to direct a header from a right-wing cross on target.

Desperate for a revival, Southampton’s interim manager Simon Rusk made a triple substitution around the hour mark, injecting fresh hope into the visiting side.

Following the changes, Jordan Pickford was forced to make his first save of the match, blocking a close-range attempt from Ross Stewart after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s misplaced clearance.

Everton regained their composure, but time was beginning to slip away for them to secure a final goal at their beloved Gwladys Street End.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin almost secured that goal with 15 minutes left, but under defensive pressure, he failed to connect cleanly on a breakaway.

The much-sought final goal at Gwladys never materialised, but it was a footnote to the emotions swirling at full-time.

In the end, Goodison Park—a venue that has hosted eight league titles, a FIFA World Cup semi-final, 2,791 senior men’s matches (including 1,539 wins) and 945 Everton Premier League goals—received the farewell it rightfully deserved.

Everton supporters are looking forward to a promising future at the newly named Hill-Dickinson Stadium. Although Southampton won’t be part of the league at the new ground next season, they still have the opportunity to finish a disappointing campaign on a high note when they take on Arsenal next Sunday.

Catch up on the match here.