The last few seasons will have been frustrating from the perspective of Everton fans. After Carlo Ancelotti left the club in 2021, going on to win two Champions Leagues in three seasons with Real Madrid, the Toffees have been left facing relegation on two occasions. A side that is usually a mid-table outfit for those who bet on Premier League football were suddenly performing poorly, but both times, Everton managed to ensure their survival.
Indeed, Sean Dyche has steadied the ship on the blue half of Merseyside, however their points deduction made for a nervy start to last season. As Everton prepare for a move to the Bramley Moore Dock Stadium, they leave behind their spiritual home in Goodison Park. Dyche will be hoping for a fitting end to one of the hallowed turfs of English football.
The Toffees, who finished 15th last season, enjoyed one of their better campaigns in recent memory and will be hoping to round off their time at Goodison with a season to be proud of.
In this article, we assess how Everton can ensure a solid finish to Goodison Park’s final season, and if the Toffees have enough quality to breach the top half of the table for the first time in four years.
The best way Dyche can win the crowd over this season is to hit the ground running with wins at home. On its day, Goodison can create a bearpit atmosphere which the players can utilise to put together a good run of form.
Everton begin their season at home to Brighton, and while an away game to Tottenham Hotspur after could present a tough start to life on the road, the following games against Bournemouth and newly promoted Leicester City could be a chance to pick up some early momentum.
Everton have already suffered a setback in the summer transfer window with the loss of Amadou Onana. The Belgium demonstrated immense potential throughout his two seasons at the club before joining Aston Villa for £50 million as a replacement for Douglas Luiz.
Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam have joined Jesper Lindstrøm as summer signings so far for Everton, but Dyche will need further reinforcements if Jarrad Branthwaite is to leave, with the centre-back linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
Of all the fixtures on Everton’s calendar, Liverpool at home is the one that every fan will have a ring around.
Last season, the Toffees beat Liverpool 2-0 at Goodison, derailing the title race in Jurgen Klopp’s final Merseyside Derby. Goals from Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent the home crowd into raptures on one of the most memorable days in recent history for Everton fans.
Arne Slot is now in charge of the Reds, with his first taste of the Derby coming on December 7 when his side visit Goodison.
A win here will be a perfect send off for the stadium, and if the Blues are toget another result at Anfield in the return fixture next April, it could be one of the best seasons in Everton’s recent history.
