Ahead of today’s game against Chelsea, we look at three memorable Everton goals at Stamford Bridge.
3 – Jermaine Beckford, Chelsea 1-1 Everton. December 2010
I always liked Beckford. He wasn’t around for long, but scored some memorable goals in blue. Two of them were against today’s opposition; a brilliant solo effort at Goodison Park and a late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
His goal in the capital was an 86th minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw. A point blank header from six yards out.
It was the quality of the build up, however, that is most memorable. Leighton Baines terrorised Chelsea that afternoon, so much so that Carlo Ancelotti withdrew Jose Bosingwa for the more defensive Paulo Ferreira.
It mattered little, as the Everton left-back went on a weaving run before putting in a trademark cross to the far post. Tim Cahill headed it back across goal for Beckford to head beyond a grasping Petr Cech.
2 – Ellis Simms, Chelsea 2-2 Everton. March 2023
Another late equaliser at Stamford Bridge, but the context here is significant. The Toffees went behind twice in this game, but fought back to earn a dramatic point in the middle of a relegation battle.
Indeed, it also happened to be Simms’ first and only goal in Everton blue (or pink, as it was on this particular occasion). The young lad exhibited a tremendous amount of strength and composure, bodying Koulibaly before slotting past Kepa with aplomb.
I was on holiday for this one, and watched most of it in a hotel bar. I thought it was over when Kai Havertz scored a pen with 14 minutes to go, so sulked off to bed. I woke up to some great news the next day. Nice one Simms, lad.
1 – Tim Cahill, Chelsea 1-1 Everton. November 2007
It had to be Cahill’s spectacular overhead kick. It’s hard to believe this was over 18 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
Drogba had opened the scoring for Chelsea, as was often the case. The Toffees were without Arteta, Baines and Andy Johnson, but put in a typically resilient performance.
With a minute remaining, James McFadden drilled a speculative effort into the six yards box. Some would say defender Juliano Belletti made a mess of a clearance, firing the ball into the air. I disagree. Cahill knew what he was doing, teeing himself up for a magnificent overhead kick past Carlo Cudicini.
I know, another late equalising goal. A winning goal at Stamford Bridge would be nice, starting today.