Picking Everton’s best five games of the campaign has been a pretty thankless task over recent seasons, just finding five half decent results has been a challenge. But thankfully there were some reasons to be cheerful during 24/25, with genuine hope things will be even brighter next season.
5) Everton 4-0 Wolves, 4 December
Everton FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Everton’s joint-biggest win of the season makes the cut, not just because of the goals but its importance. It was Sean Dyche’s final win as Everton boss and the only one in a run of 11 games that ultimately saw him sacked a few weeks later. Given Wolves were also struggling at the time it gave the Toffees valuable breathing space at the foot of the table. Ashley Young’s spectacular free-kick put the Toffees in front, before Orel Mangala’s effort from distance made it 2-0 before the break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close to scoring twice in the second half but was beaten to it on both occasions by Craig Dawson, who for a long time was near the top of Everton’s top-scorers list with his brace of own goals that day.
4) Everton 3-2 Tottenham, 19 January
Everton FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
A revitalised Everton secured David Moyes’ first win back in charge against Tottenham in January, though it was closer than it should have been. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s handy footwork and finish put the Toffees ahead before Iliman Ndiaye’s mazy run and shot doubled the lead. Archie Gray’s own goal made it 3-0 before the break. That should have been the platform for even more goals given Tottenham’s porous defence, but late strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison brought flashbacks of the Bournemouth game – though this time Everton held on.
3) Everton 4-0 Leicester City, 1 February
Everton FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Everton made it three wins on the spin with a 4-0 thrashing of Leicester, who were at the start of a tailspin that would eventually see them comfortably relegated. Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the quickest goal in the league at Goodison after just 10 seconds, before a Beto double made it 3-0 before the break. There would be no nervy second half this time though, as Iliman Ndiaye waltzed through woeful Foxes backline to complete the win late on.
2) Everton 2-2 Liverpool 12 February
Everton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
An obvious choice really. The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park truly delivered on a chilly February evening.
Everton were magnificent against a Liverpool side on their way to the league title. Beto put the Toffees in front before Alexis Mac Allister levelled before the break. Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool a lead they barely deserved and looked set for the win – but James Tarkowski had other ideas.
It was a moment that will sit alongside one some of the most storied moments in Goodison’s history. Yes it didn’t secure a title or even a victory, before for sheer drama and emotion it will struggle to be topped. The final Goodison limbs moment under the lights, which also kept the Reds from having more wins at the Grand Old Lady than the Blues in derbies.
1) Everton 2-0 Southampton 18 May
Everton FC v Southampton FC - Premier League Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Many will pick the derby as their top choice but I’ve gone slightly off-piste by picking the final ever men’s game at Goodison. It was the occasion that made it special rather than the game itself, which was a comfortable 2-0 win. But the scenes before, during and after, both inside the stadium, and in the surrounding streets will never be forgotten.