Everton's future was bleak after Harvey Barnes put Leicester City ahead in the first half against West Ham. The Foxes were now above Everton, and out of relegation.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, however, scored a crisp volley before the hour mark to secure three of the most significant points in Everton’s history. This allowed Everton to maintain its Premier League standings and condemned Leicester to the Championship despite a 2-1 victory over the Hammers.
Jordan Pickford, the goalkeeper, made a great save late in the match to keep the Toffees lead intact. Then, a roaring roar from the Goodison Park fans nearly blew off the roof when the referee blew his whistle for full-time.
Conor Coady, Everton's defender, said that the overwhelming emotion was "relief," but admitted that the club must avoid these relegation struggles "becoming a little bit of a thing."
After the match, he told Sky Sports: "It's been last season and this season. This is where the team needs to improve, and we need a reset, but I'm relieved - it's been the hardest season in my life.
"It is something you do not want to be a part of. This giant of a club going down. You don't. We have been saying that all season. We're not. But we have to stop making this a theme because it's been the last two years.
The club's board has been receiving complaints from fans who have consistently criticized the team despite their vocal support.
Many blame the lack of direction and investment in the team by the club's ownership for a second consecutive relegation. Protests against the board have taken place at Goodison Park before every match over the last few months.
The club stated that the board of directors was even instructed not to attend Everton’s home match against Southampton in January due to "a real and credible threat to safety and security".
Leicester, with its talented players and the transfer budget it will receive from the inevitable sale of its stars, is the best-positioned of the three relegated sides to gain promotion at the first opportunity. Leeds and Southampton are struggling to find their identity and direction.
