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May 18, 2025
Goodison Park Closing: Everton bid a tearful farewell to Goodison Park on Sunday. Iliman Ndiaye stepped up with two important goals, scoring twice to secure a 2-0 victory over already-relegated Southampton.
It was much more than a match. It was the end of an era. After 133 years of memories, the "Grand Old Lady" staged her final Premier League match. A fitting way to say goodbye to a great sports venue.
Everton secured an impressive win in their second to last fixture of the season. More importantly, it was their final game at the iconic Goodison Park before making the move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
This win moved Everton up to 13th place, on 45 points whilst Southampton's troubles continue. Southampton lie in last position, with just 12 points from 37 games.
Emotions were running high at Goodison Park as Everton’s players made their way onto the pitch.
The iconic "Z-Cars" anthem filled the air, and the fans responded with a beautiful mix of joy and tears.
Just six minutes into the match, Iliman Ndiaye gave everyone something to cheer about. He skillfully turned with the ball and made a direct dash toward the goal.
With a calm precision, he curled it past the keeper and into the net. The stadium erupted with excitement. Ndiaye struck again during first-half injury time.
Dwight McNeil delivered a clever pass between two defenders, and Ndiaye faked out the keeper with a brilliant dummy before simply tapping the ball into an open goal. It was a moment to remember on a truly historic day.
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Before the game, Ndiaye shared that he had been motivated by something his daughter had said to him.
She had said that he could be the last Everton player to score at Goodison Park.
With the match ball tucked under his arm, he added, "To be the last scorer here, it's a big deal."
He admitted he had been aiming for a hat trick.
Ndiaye has felt the team support every step of the way since he joined Everton. "They have embraced me from day one.
It was my goal today to help the team get a win for the club."
“The roar of the fans after I scored my first goal was something I’ll never forget,” Ndiaye shared.
“Today has been absolutely amazing, and the supporters really deserved this moment.”
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In the stands, you could spot Everton legends like Tim Cahill, Wayne Rooney, and Duncan Ferguson.
On the field, Everton completely dominated the match, while Southampton found it tough to make their mark, allowing the home crowd to revel in the celebration.
This victory marked Everton’s 17th win against Southampton at Goodison Park, highlighting how the Saints have become one of Everton’s most successful Premier League rivals at home.
The scoreboard could have reflected a bigger gap. Beto had two goals disallowed for offside just minutes apart in the first half.
As the match drew to a close, Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, made a vital save, denying substitute Cameron Archer a goal and keeping Everton's clean sheet intact.
Sunday marked an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, with the 2,791st and final game at the stadium giving fans a memorable send-off they’ll cherish forever.
Fans packed the area around Goodison Park hours before the match started. Blue smoke drifted through the narrow streets as people chanted.
Even those without tickets showed up to experience this milestone. It marked the end of an era.
Supporters belted out with enthusiasm, "Everton, you never shone so !"
Jordan Pickford shared his thoughts on the event. "The last game at Goodison will need time to process," he stated.
"We wanted to net four or five goals. But people will remember us as the final team to win here. The manager asked this of us."
He also commended the fans saying, "They've shown incredible support."
Everton made a big announcement earlier this week. Their women's team will now play at Goodison Park.
Starting next season, the stadium will host Women's Super League matches for good.
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