How Everton escaped relegation on the last day of the season

• Everton escaped relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 Premier League season following their narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth
• The Blues have been in a relegation scrap two seasons in a row now, and will hope to put everything together for the 2023-24 season

Everton escaped relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 Premier League season following their narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

Heading into the game, The Toffees were sitting two points above the relegation zone. The match against Bournemouth was a must-win for them if they wanted to remain in the top flight next season.

Everton survived relegation on the final day of the season. Photo/ Sporting News.

Leicester City‘s 2-1 victory over West Ham would have ensured the Foxes’ safety and Everton would have been relegated if they failed to win their final game of the season. Leeds United are the other team who were relegated from the English Premier League to the Championship on Sunday.

Everton’s 69-year stay in the English Premier League was in peril at halftime, as it was mired in a scoreless draw with Leicester City leading West Ham. The combination of results put Everton on the relegation zone.

However, Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal in the 57th minute against Bournemouth ensured Everton remained in the top flight for at least another season. The Blues have been in a relegation scrap two seasons in a row now, and will hope to put everything together for the 2023-24 season.

Doucoure’s goal from long range was greeted with an impromptu firework display from Everton fans at the Goodison Park. The 30-year-old midfielder joins Barry Horne in 1994 and Gareth Farrelly four years later as the man who saved the day for Everton.

Speaking after the crucial win, Abdoulaye Doucoure said he does not deserve to be called a “hero” for his goal.

“Don’t get carried away. I’m not a hero. Nobody is here. We work and play for Everton Football Club. We have to be much better than that. We need to realize the mistakes we made this season. Everyone showed passion at the end but next season we need to come back stronger and put Everton high up.” Goal.com quotes the Mali midfielder.

Everton manager Sean Dyche insisted the club’s survival must be seen as a wake-up call.

“It’s a horrible day for all concerned. There is no joy in it for me, other than getting the job done. I came in here to change a mentality and there have been signs of that. There is still more to go. I said to the players: ‘We shouldn’t be here. Enjoy this today but it has gone to change.'” Sean Dyche said, as per Daily Mail.

Sean Dyche. Photo/ The Sun Daily.

Everton’s board have not attended any game since January, citing safety concerns. During the match against Bournemouth, the fans showed their discontent with the club’s management chanting “Sack the board”.

Everton fans were happy after the team avoided relegation but in reality, the celebrations were born out of failure. Reboot is needed at one of English football’s great old institutions or they will be struggling to avoid relegation again next season.