Football managers usually don’t like to over-emphasise the importance of individual fixtures but despite Sean Dyche claiming before this one that all games in the Premier League are “must-win” and this clash against Leeds United wouldn’t necessarily define Everton’s season, over 39,000 inside Goodison Park felt differently.
While he makes certain declarations in public, you suspect behind closed doors that Blues boss Dyche surely thinks along similar lines to the rest of us because this was, and was always going to be, huge.
With his fabled £60,000 transfer fee from Sligo Rovers in 2009, Everton captain Seamus Coleman is already arguably the biggest pound-for-pound bargain in Premier League history but what price could you put the price of top flight survival if this most audacious of strikes from a tight angle saves the Blues on a first relegation in 72 years?
AS IT HAPPENED: Everton vs Leeds United LIVE
READ MORE: Second US group considering Everton move as investment talks continue
With Everton going into this game having netted the fewest goals in the Premier League and main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin still ruled out through injury, Dyche knew other members of his side would need to take on the scoring burden and his right-back proved an unlikely hero with his first goal since Leeds were last here over a year ago.
Regardless of what went on elsewhere, this was a ‘must-not-lose’ fixture for Everton but with nerves being shredded as news filtered through that Bournemouth and Southampton were both on their way to shock away wins at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea respectively, this priceless victory was even more important to giving the Blues a fighting chance of survival as they moved out of the drop zone.
READ NEXT:
Everton and Liverpool pay tribute to Christian Atsu as football world reacts to news of death
- Sean Dyche shares blunt Neal Maupay verdict after 'silly spat' behind the scenes at Everton
- Everton fan groups confirm further protest details for 'remainder of the season'
- Gary Neville is being proved right as Everton's worst nightmare is coming true
Sean Dyche planning to introduce infamous fine system at Everton with 'hideous' results
