MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 20 May

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

The national and local media reflect on a truly unforgettable night at Goodison Park as Everton came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 and secure their Premier League status for next season.

The Independent paid tribute to the supporters who gave the players a lift and inspired a second-half comeback.

“Spirit of the Blues has been the anthem of Everton’s spring and the spirit of the blues saved them," wrote Richard Jolly.

"A night of changing scorelines and fluctuating emotions ended in euphoria. Everton diced with disaster and saved themselves.

“Perhaps Goodison saved them, as they were roared on to victory.

"Urgency, willpower and unity can feel unstoppable.”

The Liverpool Echo, meanwhile, describes Thursday evening as one of the most important in the Club's history.

“As Goodison Park enters its final years it was fitting it should get a night like this," said Joe Thomas.

"No-one knows what the future holds during the countdown to a new life on the Liverpool waterfront. But one thing is certain: Premier League football will return to this historic stadium next year.

“It is some twist that such a forgettable season should end with an occasion as memorable as this. Everyone who was at Goodison Park to watch this remarkable victory over Crystal Palace unfold will have the images of the final minutes and their aftermath seared into their mind's eye."

The Guardian draws comparisons to Everton's last-day escape against Wimbledon in 1994 - and credits Dele for breathing a new lease of life into the Blues' play after being introduced for the second half.

Journalist Andy Hunter wrote: “Five minutes of normal time remained of a fraught but unforgettable encounter. Five minutes for Everton to preserve their top-flight status for a 69th year and avoid having to fight against a first relegation since 1951 on the final day at Arsenal.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin timed his impact on Everton’s year to perfection. Throwing himself to meet Demarai Gray’s free-kick, the centre-forward who has missed so much of the season through injury launched himself into Goodison Park folklore with a diving header past Jack Butland.

“Lampard’s team had been 2-0 down at the interval; chaotic, uncertain and free-falling towards the Championship.

"Now, galvanised by the half-time introduction of Dele and reprieved by goals from Michael Keane, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin, they had a comeback to compare with the final day escape against Wimbledon in 1994.

"It was a fightback that will never be forgotten in these parts.”