Everton secured their Premier League status thanks to a thrilling second half comeback from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in front of a cacophonous Goodison Park crowd.
Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi played full time for Everton in the game as the club gained three points to avoid entering the relegation zone.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s diving header five minutes from time sparked chaotic scenes as home supporters flooded onto the field in relief at extending the Toffees’ 68-year stay in the English top flight.
Only victory was good enough for Frank Lampard’s men to not be fretting going into the final day of the campaign on Sunday.
But a series of calamitous defensive errors looked set to cost them as goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew put Palace in command before the break.
Michael Keane sparked the fightback nine minutes into the second half before Richarlison levelled 15 minutes from time.
Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems have been a major source of Everton’s struggles this season but the England international came up with a huge goal when his club needed it most as he met Demarai Gray’s free-kick flush with a diving header.
The battle to avoid joining Norwich and Watford in the Championship next season is now between Burnley and Leeds heading into the final day.
The Everton bus arrived to a wave of noise and flurry of blue flare smoke, but the intense atmosphere quickly turned to frustration.
Richarlison came close to giving the home side the lead when his free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Palace soon took control as Patrick Vieira’s men coolly stroked the ball around to leave Everton chasing shadows. (Punch)