Everton Bids Farewell to Goodison Park with 2-0 Win Over Southampton

Everton closes out its final match at Goodison Park with a 2-0 victory over Southampton, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye's brace.

Everton bid a winning farewell to Goodison Park, their iconic home of 133 years, with a 2-0 victory over Southampton. Iliman Ndiaye stole the show, scoring both goals, including the historic final Premier League goal at the stadium. The emotional afternoon was filled with a mix of sadness and celebration, as fans and players alike bid farewell to a legendary venue. Ndiaye's brace secured a memorable win for the Toffees, capping off their time at Goodison Park on a high note.

A beautifully crafted move, initiated by a through-ball from Jarrad Branthwaite to Iliman Ndiaye, led to the opening goal for Everton. Ndiaye expertly side-footed the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending Goodison Park into raptures. The match was also marked by an emotional moment when captain Seamus Coleman was withdrawn due to injury, receiving a standing ovation from the fans. Ashley Young replaced him, and Coleman passed the armband to Jordan Pickford in a heartfelt gesture. Ndiaye's second goal sealed a 2-0 win for Everton, a fitting farewell to Goodison Park.

Iliman Ndiaye had a promising start, creating scoring opportunities for Beto, but the striker's shots didn't find their mark. Ndiaye himself came close to scoring twice with impressive moves, only to be ruled offside. However, he eventually capitalized on a Southampton error, receiving a pass from Dwight McNeil and skillfully rounding Aaron Ramsdale to score his brace just before halftime. This goal showcased Ndiaye's clinical finishing and capped a dominant first half for Everton.

Everton's fans might have felt a sense of unease as the second half began, given their team's tendency to drop points after taking a 2-0 lead earlier in the season. However, the Toffees maintained their focus, creating key chances, including a breakaway effort from James Garner that was saved by Aaron Ramsdale. Beto also had an opportunity, heading wide from a cross. Despite some nerves, Everton continued to control the game, ensuring their 2-0 lead held strong as they sought a fitting farewell to Goodison Park.

After a sluggish start to the second half, interim boss Simon Rusk made a triple substitution for Southampton in an attempt to spark a comeback. The change injected new energy into the visitors, and they began to threaten Everton's goal. Jordan Pickford made a crucial save, using his shin to block Ross Stewart's close-range effort. Despite some nervous moments, Everton held firm, and as the final whistle approached, the home fans reveled in the 2-0 win, a fitting farewell to Goodison Park. Iliman Ndiaye's brace ensured a memorable sendoff for the Toffees at their historic Gwladys Street End.

Everton win their final Premier League match at Goodison Park 🥲#EVESOU pic.twitter.com/gKM8HHFD4B

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a late opportunity to score, but defensive pressure prevented him from getting a clean shot off in a breakaway. Despite the chance for another goal eluding them, Everton's 2-0 win was enough to secure a fitting farewell to Goodison Park. The stadium, which has hosted countless historic moments, including eight league title wins and a FIFA World Cup semi-final, was bid adieu with the respect and celebration it deserved. With a legacy of 2,791 senior men's games and 945 Premier League goals, Goodison Park's final Premier League match ended on a high note for the home fans.

As Everton bid farewell to Goodison Park, fans are looking forward to a brighter future at the newly-named Hill-Dickinson Stadium. Meanwhile, Southampton, despite a disappointing season, will aim to end on a high note by hosting Arsenal next Sunday. The match could provide a much-needed boost for the Saints, who will be eager to secure a win against one of the league's top teams.