Iliman Ndiaye of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on May 18, 2025 (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
liman Ndiaye’s first half brace gave an Everton a 2-0 win over rock bottom Southampton in Goodison Park’s final Premier League fixture. The Senegal international got the Blues off to a flier after just six minutes with a powerful low drive and then doubled their advantage in first half stoppage time when dribbling the ball around visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
In between, Beto had a couple of efforts disallowed for offside while after the break, Jordan Pickford made a great save from Saints substitute Cameron Archer to ensure David Moyes’ men bowed out with a clean sheet.
Here's how the ECHO rated the players:
Jordan Pickford 8
Impressive late save to deny Cameron Archer at his near post after also denying another Southampton substitute Ross Stewart shortly after he’d come on having been largely untested up until that point other than a nervous moment with Jake O’Brien early on after taking the armband from an injured Coleman.
Seamus Coleman 7
It was fitting that Everton’s record Premier League appearance holder got to lead them out as captain in their final game at Goodison Park, but having done his duty of winning the toss and ensuring the Blues attacked the Gwladys Street in the second half, he didn’t make it that far himself and succumbed to injury after just 18 minutes.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Looked confident pushing forwards down the left while he also made an impressive slide tackle in the middle of the pitch when Everton were going through a slack couple of minutes in the first half before picking out Garner for a chance after the break on his weaker right foot.
Jake O’Brien 7
Back fit and at the heart of defence after being ruled out of the 3-1 win at Fulham with a knee injury, he overcame an early jitter when ushering the ball back to Pickford and looked solid enough.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Looked assured in possession, it was his low pass to pick out Ndiaye that started the move for the early goal, but allowed Stewart to shrug him off for his chance before injury forced him out of the contest.
Idrissa Gueye 7
Bossed proceedings in the engine room with a dominant display and despite his advancing years, Evertonians will be hoping that he’s one of the out-of-contract players who stays with them at the new stadium.
James Garner 7
Put himself about and is combining silk with steel in the centre of the park, he had an inviting chance to become the last player to score in front of the Gwladys Street but his shot was saved by Ramsdale.
Dwight McNeil 7
After being benched at Craven Cottage despite his goal against Ipswich Town, he was back operating as an inverted winger down the right and showed some silky touches, including picking out Ndiaye for the second goal.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 7
Typically energetic display as he pressed hard to support his striker before making his way off in tears in the second half for what looked like it could be an emotional farewell.
Iliman Ndiaye 9
Got Everton off to a flier on this historic day as, after starting a slick move when picked out by Jarrad Branthwaite, he got the ball back and confidently drove towards goal before smashing the ball past Aaron Ramsdale to open the scoring on just six minutes and then showed terrific composure to double their lead when dribbling around the keeper in first half stoppage time.
Beto 7
Looked bright and alert leading the line but twice strayed into an offside positions when he put the ball into the net on the half-hour mark when picked out by James Garner and then heading in from Ashley Young’s lofted cross just three minutes later but never gave up.
Substitutes
Ashley Young (on 18 for Coleman) 7
The club’s oldest-ever outfield player came on earlier than expected for a final Everton appearance at Goodison Park and has slotted in well, being unfortunate not to get an assist when Beto had a goal ruled out for offside for a second time.
Jack Harrison (on 64 for McNeil) 6
Plenty of endeavour but little end product summed up his season.
Carlos Alcaraz (on 64 for Doucoure) 6
A few nice touches off the bench but has he done enough to convince David Moyes his worth a permanent transfer?
Michael Keane (on 74 for Branthwaite) 6
Branthwaite’s injury gave him the chance for what looked like an Everton farewell appearance after eight years’ service.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (on 74 for Ndiaye) 6
Remains to be seen whether it will also be a Blues goodbye for the centre-forward.