EVERTON’S NEW SURROUNDINGS
Our men’s team’s first visit to Everton’s new manor, after they bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park over the summer, coincided with the Merseysiders’ biggest pre-match display at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Over 400 blue, white and yellow flags and banners were unfurled from the arena’s steep South Stand as the players emerged from the tunnel, to a spine-tingling roar and the rousing sound of their traditional walkout track, the theme tune from former BBC drama series Z-Cars. It was notable then how the striking atmosphere reverberated around the four sides of the modern arena, and repeatedly as a battling contest unfolded. Everton’s high energy and endeavour was appreciated by the home faithful, but it was the travelling contingent – who played their part in an atmospheric evening too – that were in full and jubilant voice as the final whistle sounded.
WHAT THE WIN MEANS
The result takes United back into the top four of the Premier League table, leapfrogging Chelsea who were held by Burnley on Saturday. Aston Villa also drew with Leeds over the weekend, meaning the gap to the third-placed Villans is down to three points, with 11 games to go. We’ve got the same bridge to fifth-placed Liverpool, after their stoppage-time winner to beat Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and we’ll hope to build on a position that is continuing to strengthen in the race for Champions League football when we return to action at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.