"In a game between two sides who, for too long, have been lesser than the sum of their multi-million pound parts, the crowd urged Everton over the finishing line."
That was a line from my match report from April, compiled minutes after Jordan Pickford's late save from Ronaldo meant Anthony Gordon's first half goal was enough for Everton to overcome Manchester United and secure a vital three points. It felt like a massive moment in the Blues' season - coming just days after the horrible defeat at Burnley that confirmed the worst fears: Everton were in a relegation battle.
The hope it offered was another false dawn - just like the dramatic win over Newcastle United in the previous home game, the Toffees' predicament got worse before it got better.
