In a nail-biting final day of the Premier League, Everton managed to secure their place in the top flight for the 69th consecutive season. The Toffees faced Bournemouth at Goodison Park and it was Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stunning second-half strike that sealed their fate. The midfielder smashed home a drive in the 57th minute after Adam Smith’s weak header dropped to him on the edge of the area. The goal sparked wild celebrations at Goodison Park with flares let off by the crowd and fireworks let off outside the stadium.
Leicester did all they could by beating West Ham, but desperately needed a goal from Bournemouth to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, Leeds lost 4-1 to Tottenham, confirming their relegation. Sean Dyche’s side had their fate in their own hands going into the game and held their nerve at Goodison Park, with the fans invading the pitch to celebrate.
However, it was an agonising wait to confirm Everton’s Premier League status, with 10 minutes of stoppage time added on by the referee. This largely came as a result of a clash between Jordan Pickford and Dominic Solanke. Pickford popped up with some huge saves at the end to keep Everton up.
The Toffees’ streak of 69 consecutive seasons in the top flight is second only to Arsenal’s. It was a dramatic end to the season that saw Leicester and Leeds relegated to the Championship.