The smile on David Moyes’ face told the story. Standing in the tunnel at St James' Park, the Everton boss found himself reflecting on yet another away day victory.
“I think the result is maybe as good as we've had [since I returned], because of the position we were in,” he said with a smile.
“We couldn't really move up or down in the league table today. I think it said more about the players who are playing for Everton today, in terms of what they put in and the character they've got.
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“Since I've come in, I can only tell you that the players have been brilliant – their effort, their commitment, their drive.”
The Blues were 16th – one point clear of the relegation zone – with only three wins from 19 games when Moyes succeeded Sean Dyche in January.
During his 19 games in charge, Moyes has seen his side beat Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and then on Sunday, Newcastle United away from home.
In total, Everton finished the season with 48 points to their name, comfortably finishing 13th in the table and a huge 23 points clear of the drop zone.
And three stats tell the story of transformation under Moyes.
Since the Scot’s first match in charge after returning, only Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have lost fewer league games.
Only City, Arsenal and Chelsea have conceded fewer goals in the league, and only Brentford have won more games on the road.
Goodbye Goodison Park - Souvenir edition
Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell to their iconic and beloved home.
We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground's past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where its world-famous name came from.
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Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on Merseyside from April 2, 2025.
You can also purchase Goodison's Greatest, our celebration of an era when Everton ruled English football. If you love Everton, you’ll just love this - order your copy today, simply click here!
And that's not all, also available is ParkLife, a a high quality, 312 page publication showcasing 133-years of Goodison history in pictures. Available here. Then there's Farewell to Goodison, celebrating 100 of the best moments at the Grand Old Lady, available to purchase now.
The turnaround could not have been any more impressive, especially given what Blues supporters were being forced to endure under Dyche’s stewardship.
But what Moyes said after praising his side for the application they showed against Eddie Howe’s team further backed up why Blues supporters are so keen to stress why he is the perfect man to manage their club.
Not content with just staying up, Moyes wants much more.
Even though Newcastle were beaten 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of Charly Alcaraz's second-half header, they still qualified for next season’s Champions League after Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford.
What followed the full-time whistle were joyous scenes as Newcastle’s players, staff and supporters celebrated the fact they will be back in Europe’s premier club competition next season.
Moyes and his Everton squad watched the celebrations unfold as they applauded the travelling Blues army, who had once again been loud and proud.
And the Scot was clear in a message to supporters after the game that he wants to be the club challenging for a place in the Champions League.
"I do [take pride from the turnaround], because I genuinely wasn't sure if we could do that when I came in,” he admitted to evertontv.
“So what I want them to do now is I want us to take this absolutely into the new stadium.
“I want us to bring good atmosphere in. I mean, I have to say the atmosphere inside St James' Park today was incredible; it really was.
“I hope that it's us who, in the future, we're the ones who are challenging for Champions League and we can show them exactly what we've got.
“The away support was brilliant again and we’re thankful we've been able to give them something. We’ve won a few away games and they can travel home today and have a few drinks and enjoy it.
“The support has been magnificent, I've got to say, whether it be at Goodison or away from home, I think it's been great.
“So now we need to all come together and make sure this is going to happen at the new stadium because we're going to need it.”
Of course Moyes needs to be backed sufficiently in the market this summer to have any chance of turning his side into Champions League contenders, but for now it is just nice to hear an Everton talk with a bit of ambition.