An overview of some of the moments beyond the headlines following Everton’s win over Tottenham Hotspur
Everton’s deserved win over Tottenham Hotspur lifted the club away from the relegation zone and fuelled the feel-good spirit created by the return of David Moyes.
First half goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye, and an Archie Gray own goal, were enough to seal the three points, even if the Blues were forced to ride out the anxiety of late Spurs fightback. The result, the first league win in more than a month, moved Everton four points clear of the bottom three.
The afternoon continued in positive fashion as Ipswich Town, best-placed of those in the relegation zone, were hammered by Manchester City – meaning Everton were the only side in the bottom eight of the table to win this weekend. As Moyes moves onto the task of building on the vital win, here are some of the moments that did not make the headlines – including a few glimpses behind the scenes at Goodison Park.
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Richarlison’s parting message in the Goodison tunnel
Richarlison’s late goal made for a nervy finale but once the final whistle went the former Everton forward turned to taking in Goodison for one final time. After initially walking over to the Spurs supporters in the away end and giving away his shirt, he embarked on a slow walk around the pitch, taking in the adulation of Blues supporters. He later posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Goodison Park.”
Richarlison had already received the adulation of the Everton supporters in the Gwladys Street, but when he departed Goodison, he had one final message for those in the tunnel.
After being asked by the ECHO and another member of the press if he had a couple of minutes for a quick interview, the former Blues forward politely declined. However, as he made his way to the exit, the Brazil international stopped in his tracks before turning and telling the media in attendance to report how much he loved Everton’s iconic ground.
“I love Goodison”, he declared, before heading to catch the Tottenham team bus back to London.
Iliman Ndiaye asks for the volume to be turned up
Everton have had few fan favourites since Richarlison left but Iliman Ndiaye is on his way to becoming one. The Senegal international has been one of few bright sparks in a difficult season and already has his own song. He added to his growing reputation with his wonderful solo goal to double Everton’s lead on Sunday – after which he turned cheerleader and, as his chant was being bellowed out, urged for the supporters to sing it louder and louder.
David Moyes takes part in the celebrations
For all the supporters he already had, Ndiaye went a long way to acquiring another with his performance. Moyes spoke highly of him in his post-match press conference and stressed how keen he was to see the 24-year-old play to his strengths by running with the ball more – a command that will be music to the ears of Ndiaye’s growing fanbase.
Ndiaye’s goal came at a crucial time on Sunday, with Everton ahead and on top but having conceded two dangerous chances to Son Heung-Min. His strike wounded Spurs’ hopes of a fightback and put Everton on course for a first win of the second Moyes era – something the returning manager realised himself, accounting for his fist pump and roar as the ball shot past Antonin Kinsky and into the roof of the net.
‘My hair is now grey – I don’t know if my song works anymore’
With Everton comfortable for most of this game, the classic Moyes chant about him having ‘red hair but we don’t care’ surged from the stands as belief returned to the club. Moyes was well aware of the song as he took in his reception from the dugout and it became a topic of conversation in the post-match press conference. Asked about the support he received from the home faithful, Moyes said: “It was fabulous when they were singing that song about me having red hair, it is now grey hair so I don’t know if that works!”
Supporters return to Match of the Day
After what was just a fourth win of the season in the Premier League, many Everton supporters felt safe to finally put Match of the Day on. Through a torrid start to the season, one in which Everton struggles were repeatedly left until the later stages of the programme, many had become used to avoiding the show. Not on Sunday. And they were rewarded with the Blues being on FIRST.
