Brilliant atmosphere
Unfortunately it might not have produced the correct result on the pitch on this occasion, but the atmosphere around Everton's match against Chelsea on Saturday was still excellent.
Thousands lined the streets outside the stadium to create a wall of noise and blue smoke for the team buses once again slowly to navigate through. This was understood to have been the toughest welcome to organise, given the Chelsea squad were taking the same route before the match, but it all went off without a hitch, with huge credit needed to everyone involved - from the club side and the fans.
That, of course, was brought into the stadium as well. Thousands of flags adorned the Park End and Lower Bullens to create a really eye-catching display while huge banners were of course brought out on the Gwladys Street.
RATINGS: Alex Iwobi impresses and Nathan Patterson exciting but two poor vs Chelsea
ANALYSIS: Ashley Cole work paying off but Frank Lampard might be forced into major change
Alongside the huge image of Frank Lampard, which even the Chelsea fans surely would have appreciated, there was a new banner a bit further along. It depicted The Beatles all wearing blue and white scarves, even if their actual football allegiances have been a little hazy in the past.
And the point must also be made that following the game there was no hint of supporters rushing onto the pitch. The result might have played a factor in that, but you like to think that actually the important message from many across the last week has come through.
All in all, despite a defeat, the atmosphere was strong at Goodison. The players were applauded off for their hard efforts, and fingers crossed they can put in the same levels of graft throughout the campaign.
Pickford gesture
Jordan Pickford led Everton out against Chelsea after being handed the captain's armband for just the second time in his career. Frank Lampard had confirmed the 28-year-old, whose leadership credentials were burnished amid last season's relegation battle, would be captain in the absence of Seamus Coleman, so the move was no surprise on Saturday evening.
But it was still a nice moment for a player who relished the opportunity when he first received it away to Burnley last season. After leading out the Blues, he lifted his arm and gave a fist pump to the Everton supporters ready to back him again after his heroics last season.
Onana's first day
A little way through the first half, those in the Main Stand would have heard a ripple of applause and cheers from toward the directors box. Usually, this just means that a certain player has gone to warm up for the first time, but not in this case.
Instead, someone backed up the stairs with a camera in hand, pointing it toward Amadou Onana, who emerged into Goodison Park for the first time. There was no mistaking him from supporters who had almost reached fever pitch of excitement around his potential arrival for days after news of Everton's move first broke earlier in the week.
Onana's official announcement still was not confirmed, but that didn't stop him posing for multiple pictures with a huge smile on his face before heading back inside at half-time. He stopped and made sure to get around as many people as possible in what was a humble beginning to his career on Merseyside.
The camera seemed to be following him wherever he went, and he completed similar pictures before heading out after the full-time whistle and he left the stadium. That left fans waiting with even more anticipation around when his signing would officially be announced.
Familiar faces
The transfer rumour mill has been in overdrive this summer and one of the most common themes has been attempts to link Everton to players on the periphery at Chelsea. The link is an obvious one, with Lampard so well connected with the club he played at and managed, and having a reputation for overseeing the development of young stars.
Two of the players among those the Blues have been linked with were on the away side's bench - Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja. Lampard is a fan of Gallagher but always expected him to fight for a place in the Chelsea squad this season. He has also monitored Broja and may continue to do so as the need for another forward intensifies following the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Godfrey messages
The big negatives to come out of the game for Everton aside from the result were injuries to Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina. The former looked in particular distress as his foot was seemingly caught in the turf, leading to him needing a stretcher to take him off the pitch.
He later took to social media to address supporters in typically mature fashion. He wrote: "It’s part of the game, thank you for all the messages, I appreciate it."
And his Everton team-mates were quick to offer their support to the centre-back, too, with many taking to Instagram and Twitter to wish the defender well as he begins his road to recovery. One of those was Nathan Patterson, who picked up a lot of praise for what was a fine performance on his Premier League debut.
Patterson addressed his debut, the game itself and his team-mate all in one tweet by writing: "Proud to make my Prem debut in front of the fans. Thought we deserved something today. Thoughts with Ben Godfrey tonight though. Hope you (sic) ok mate."
READ NEXT:
Everton 'ready to battle' with Chelsea and Manchester United for £15m striker
Frank Lampard breaks silence on Amadou Onana transfer to Everton
Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey injury latest as Conor Coady issue becomes more relevant
Everton still missing transfer after Chelsea defeat leaves burning question
