Everton 1-0 Chelsea
by James Nalton
at Goodison Park

GOODISON Park has witnessed plenty in its long history, but perhaps never anything quite like this.

A Richarlison goal at the start of the second half played a big role in making this feel like a potentially huge moment in the history of this club, but it was far from the only contributing factor to what was an atmospheric afternoon on Merseyside.

Everton fans packed the streets outside Goodison Park prior to kick-off, creating an atmosphere to welcome the team bus, hoping to give the players a boost as they look to avoid relegation.

Blue smoke filled the area around Goodison Road and City Road where flags were hoisted in the air and songs were sung.

So many supporters turned up hours before kick-off that it was a surprise that the bus, when it eventually arrived, could make its way down Goodison Road at all.

But some expert manoeuvres from the driver eventually delivered the players to a rapturous welcome that could be heard all around the terraced streets that flank the stadium.

This atmosphere was carried into the stadium and led to a committed effort from both sets of players.

Everton fans had set fireworks off outside the Chelsea hotel during the night, but if anything this will have motivated the Chelsea players in a game which might otherwise have not meant too much to them.

On paper, this was one of the more difficult of Everton’s six remaining games. Their only other game against a team currently in the top half of the table is against Arsenal on the final day of the season.

Chelsea are quite comfortable in third though, and only need a couple more points to mathematically guarantee a top-four finish – a position they have looked secure in for most of the season.

Their English central midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was one of the standout players in the first half. His combination of physique and technique helped him control an otherwise frantic midfield battle.

Amid the chaos, there were a few half chances. Anthony Gordon sent a free-kick over while Mason Mount fired wide from outside the area at the other end.

Gordon tried again with his left foot later in the first half, but again his shot drifted just wide of the target.

There were a few scuffles and a few yellow cards for each team — there could have been more.

Some fans weren’t even back in their seats for the start of the second half when Richarlison stole the ball from Cesar Azpilicueta. The Brazilian eventually picked up a loose ball after the supporting Demarai Gray was fouled, and finished cooly past Edouard Mendy.

Blue smoke filled the stadium just as it had filled the streets prior to kick off.

It was apt that Richarlison’s goal came from his defending from the front which has been a key part of his game all season.

The win leaves Everton two points behind Leeds United and Burnley but, crucially, they have a game in hand on those two sides. Win that and they leapfrog both.

Of course, it’s not as simple as that, as Everton have found out all season. Each of these teams could have a potentially rocky ride in their last four or five games. And it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Toffees in the final moments of this game.

Vitaliy Mykolenko had a chance to make it two shortly after the opener but fired into the side-netting.

As Everton hung onto their lead, Mason Mount hit both boats and Azpilicueta forced a miraculous save from Jordan Pickford on the follow-up. The England goalkeeper was needed again shortly after to make a brave save at close range from Antonio Rudiger.

Chants of “England’s number one” rung out around Goodison Park.

Richarlison continued to drive the team forward in his role as the lone striker, supported by forward runs from Gordon, Gray, Alex Iwobi, and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Pickford made another good save when the brilliant Loftus-Cheek tried his luck from distance then at the other end, Gray had a good chance following good hold-up play from substitute Salomon Rondon, but shot just over.

Gordon somehow still had some running in him, sprinting half the length of the pitch before his shot forced Mendy to turn behind for a corner.

The fourth official raised his board to show there would be seven minutes of added time.

Pickford, the hero in goal, saved from Mateo Kovacic. Lampard brought on Dele Alli to waste some of those minutes. Yerry Mina was colossal at the back on his return to the side, and Everton eventually saw the game out.

The fans hung around to celebrate a massive win in which they had played their part during the 90 minutes and beyond.