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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Will Unwin at Goodison Park

Goodison roar drags Everton players over the finish line once again

Everton fans celebrate at the final whistle as Premier League survival is secured.
Everton fans celebrate at the final whistle as Premier League survival is secured. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Whether winning a title or securing safety, the moment the historic goal hits the back of the net provides the same feeling. Abdoulaye Doucouré thrashed the ball in here to test the foundations of the antiquated Goodison Park. Every second of the past two seasons of Everton struggle was forgotten, replaced with the glorious ecstasy of being a football fan without worries or concerns.

These days of toil are painful for supporters, who endure every emotion, from despair to unparalleled jubilation. For those decked in blue at Goodison, survival means everything; football is their joy, their time away from what life throws at you and they will be thankful to Doucouré for ensuring their summer is not spent mourning a first relegation since 1951. The players did not let down the fans; every single one put everything into the game for Everton, buoyed by unrelenting support.

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