Fans and players will walk into Goodison Park for one final matchday this Sunday, an occasion steeped in nostalgia, pride, and raw emotion. Yet beyond the sentiment, there’s still a game to be played, and Everton will be eager to ensure this historic farewell doesn't end on a sour note.
With the title race settled and relegation already confirmed, the significance of the occasion far outweighs the Premier League fixture itself.
Southampton, looking to salvage some pride from a disappointing season, will hope to spoil the party, while Everton will be focused on securing three points and carrying momentum into their new era at Bramley-Moore Dock
They will know they have a job to complete, however that is not always easy. We consider the three pitfalls the Toffees must avoid should they win their final ever Premier League game at Goodison Park.
1. Letting Emotions Override Focus
Sunday afternoon will undoubtedly be filled with emotion, tears will flow as fans say their final goodbyes, players will reflect on the hallowed turf that has defined their Everton journeys, and football supporters across the country will turn their attention to Goodison Park, recalling their own cherished memories of visiting this iconic ground.
Discipline will be crucial as the players strive to control their emotions, steering clear of rash challenges, impulsive decisions, or the temptation to force the moment.
David Moyes faces the delicate task of striking a balance between positivity, energy, and focus, ensuring that the emotions of over 40,000 fans inside the stadium are channeled in a way that supports, rather than disrupts, his team's performance.
For players like Seamus Coleman, Ashley Young, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the occasion could carry even deeper significance, as they may be pulling on the blue shirt for the final time.
The knowledge that their futures are uncertain could easily cloud their focus, making it difficult to remain fully concentrated on the task at hand. With emotions running high, it's possible that their judgment could be compromised, impacting their performance on the pitch.
2. Underestimating Southampton
Southampton narrowly avoided setting the record for the Premier League’s worst points total last weekend, with just two wins all season. However, under caretaker boss Simon Rusk, they’ve become a more resilient and stubborn outfit.
A recent draw against Manchester City has injected belief into the squad heading into their final fixtures, especially against an Everton side they’ve already beaten once this campaign.
The Saints’ pace and willingness to exploit open spaces make them a real threat on the break. Everton cannot afford any lapses in focus; they must treat Southampton with respect, remain disciplined at the back, and maintain full concentration for the entire 90 minutes if they’re to secure a winning farewell at Goodison Park.
3. Failing to Take Their Chances
In matches like this, where Southampton are likely to sit deep in a low block, clear-cut chances will be at a premium. Everton simply can’t afford to be wasteful in front of goal, as has too often been the case this season.
Whether it’s a set-piece opportunity or a rare breakaway, the finishing must be clinical, whether it falls to Beto, Iliman Ndiaye, or any of the attacking options on the pitch.
Last weekend’s goals came courtesy of defenders, a telling statistic in a side where no player has yet hit double figures this term. Beto has yet to convincingly showcase Premier League-level composure in front of goal, while Ndiaye has struggled to find rhythm.
That lack of a consistent goal threat could create pressure and tension, both on the pitch and in the stands, a dangerous mix on a day that demands calm heads and clinical execution.