Blue smoke filled up the streets around Goodison Park in what has been an emotional pre-match move, with generations of Evertonians gathering for the last goodbye.
As heroes of Royal Blue past walked the pitch in the build-up and fans wiped their tears to the memories gathered in the four grandstands, the importance of the match ramped up, and we saw the Toffees up for their final three Goodison points.
As Peter Reid said, “we say ta-ra to the Grand Old Lady,” and that may be more important than the performance, and these player ratings. We run it anyway in a ratings article, where it was too hard to criticise based on the occasion.
Starting XI
Jordan Pickford - 8
A superb close-range save from Archer and another sharp stop to deny Ross Stewart highlighted his international-level quality and proved instrumental in securing the clean sheet. He had little to do in the first half, but remained alert as Southampton grew into the game following their substitutions.
Seamus Coleman - 7
The afternoon was cut short, either through injury or a pre-planned exit for atmosphere purposes, but showed the memories of his £60,000 transfer in the glory years. Earned an early corner and played a perfect ball down the flank for Beto.
A legend in Goodison and deserved his cameo and walking the team out to Z cars.
Jake O’Brien - 7
A nervy moment involving Jordan Pickford early on, but he was largely untroubled for the remainder of the game. While solid, he didn’t particularly excel in the centre-back role and will need to deliver stronger performances if he hopes to make the position his own.
Jarrad Brathwaite - 7
Largely untroubled throughout, though a poor clearance did hand Southampton a golden chance to pull one back, only for Joe Aribo to miss the ball completely, letting the moment pass. Beyond that, there was little else of note, as Southampton showed exactly why they’re heading for relegation.
More worryingly, he was forced off in the second half with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury, potentially season-ending.
Vitaly Mykolenko - 7
The Ukrainian showed confidence surging down the left flank, though his crossing often lacked the precision needed to find teammates in blue. Nonetheless, he stood firm defensively when Southampton finally applied pressure in the final 20 minutes.
Idrissa Gana Gueye - 7
Found the game relatively straightforward, breaking up several Southampton attacks, though they offered little going forward, particularly in the first half. He comfortably dealt with any threats during that period. His passing was occasionally erratic, but his presence and defensive assurance will be a significant loss if he departs at the end of the season.
James Garner - 7.5
A strong performance, contributing significantly going forward with a header on target and a first-half shot. However, it was his intelligent positioning during Southampton’s transitions that truly stood out. He consistently disrupted their momentum, breaking up play as effectively as Gueye and playing a key role in preserving the clean sheet.
Abdoulaye Doucouré - 7
Left the field waving goodbye, and probably his last time in front of the home Everton support. The energetic midfield display was something that’s the norm from the Malian, however, with nothing of note coming from the midfielder.
Dwight McNeil - 7
His incisive through ball between the lines set up Ndiaye for the second goal, showcasing his ability to drive through the middle and contribute to the attack. He was substituted for Jack Harrison after an hour.
Iliman Ndiaye - 9 - Man of the Match
The game changer. Demonstrated coolness in the opener that set Everton on their way and showed even more composure for the second at the end of the first half. The Senegalese striker was a threat coming off the wing in the attacking third, going into the space between the full back and centre back.
Beto - 8
This guy lives offside, but his directness is so beneficial to our gameplay. The striker could have matched Ndiaye’s goal tally were it not for two well-taken finishes, both ruled out for straying beyond the last defender. One of them, a superb header, deserved more.
Despite that, he remained a constant threat in behind, with long balls over Southampton’s back line frequently aimed his way. Dangerous in the box, particularly on the end of Ashley Young’s crosses.
Substitutes
Ashley Young - 7
His crossing was consistently accurate, frequently picking out an Everton head whenever he delivered the ball. While he impressed going forward, his defensive vulnerability was evident, most notably when he gifted Ross Stewart one of Southampton’s two best chances of the match.
His shift into a defensive role may well be a key factor in the club’s decision to let him go at the end of the season.
Jack Harrison - 6
Charly Alcaraz - 6
Michael Keane - 6
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 6