Arsenal 2 Everton 1: Blues lose on final day but can hold heads high

Everton took to the pitch in North London knowing nothing was riding on the outcome, fortunately, as their record at Arsenal in recent years has been dreadful.

It was their hosts who had all to play for with an outside chance of claiming a first Premier League title in twenty years, assuming they won and Manchester City lost against West Ham United.

One twist to the afternoon was the fact that Richard Masters, Chair of the Premier League, was in attendance.

And Blues supporters let him know once again in no uncertain terms what they think of how his organisation has treated our club this season!

In the early summer sunshine the Toffees grew into the match well, after an early scare when Arsenal's Tomiyasu headed wide and then Jordan Pickford made two fine stops.

And as the news from Manchester came through it became increasingly clear (although few ever really doubted it) that the Gunners hopes of becoming champions were fading fast.

Everton knocked the ball around confidently at times and offered a decent threat on the break with Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the post.

Then the visitors took the lead from an Idrissa Gueye free-kick via a Declan Rice deflection and just maybe a surprise result was on.

Almost straight away however Arsenal were level through Tomiyasu and that was it at half-time.

After the break the home side were on top and three times hit the Blues woodwork. It looked as though a heavy defeat might again be on the cards at the Emirates.

It wasn't to be that storyline once more, as although Arsenal scored again - a goal which saw another hugely controversial VAR decision - Everton kept battling away as they have all season, both on and off the pitch.

So, a campaign of almost inhuman stress and anxiety for manager, players and most of all the long-suffering fans of this great club has come to an end and the Toffees have survived everything that has been thrown at them.

Now, comes a summer of further uncertainty and pressure. Nothing is ever easy when it comes to Everton Football Club.

Finally, it is right to say that Sean Dyche and his troops deserve a massive well done for coping with the demands that have been made of them in this unique and unprecedented season.