NafisaEverton squandered a two-goal advantage against an already relegated Ipswich Town side, resulting in a disappointing 2-2 draw in Goodison Park’s second-to-last match.
With a series of stunning displays in the stands by fan group the 1878s, the teams took to the field amid a ticker tape welcome, and the festive atmosphere seemed set to persist for the hosts.
Beto nodded David Moyes’ team into the lead on 26 minutes, and nine minutes later, Dwight McNeil extended their advantage with a shot that left visiting goalkeeper Alex Palmer frozen in place.
However, a remarkable, curving strike from Julio Enciso four minutes before halftime gave the Suffolk side hope, and they stunned the Blues with a headed equalizer at the back post from substitute George Hirst 11 minutes from the end, securing a share of the points.
Jordan Pickford 6
Easily handled Liam Delap’s audacious backheel early on, but despite Julio Enciso firing wide with a prior warning, he was powerless against the Paraguayan’s ferocious long-range effort that smashed off the crossbar and was left vulnerable by his defenders’ laxity for the equalizer.
Nathan Patterson 6
Frequently advanced down the right flank and found space, but his passes need refinement, with one attempt—neither a cross nor a shot—going straight to Alex Palmer’s hands, though his pass set up McNeil for his goal.
Vitalii Mykolenko 5
His blocked cross sparked the move for Beto’s opener, and while he delivered several threatening crosses in the second half, he made a reckless challenge on Dara O’Shea in the lead-up to Ipswich’s equalizer and was cautioned after the goal was scored.
Jake O’Brien 5
Received a yellow card for a tussle by the corner flag with Liam Delap, who was also booked, but despite showcasing an impressive burst of speed to outrun Jack Clarke after giving him a five-yard head start, he left substitute George Hirst unmarked at the back post for the equalizer.
Jarrad Branthwaite 6
Floored by Delap shortly after his altercation with O’Brien, yet while he continued to appear composed at the back and attempted to be adventurous with his passing, he must take on more leadership in defense with James Tarkowski absent.
Idrissa Gueye 6
After battling against the Premier League’s top teams, this presented a different challenge, but while he kept the midfield functioning, the match slipped from his team’s grasp.
James Garner 6
His powerful slide tackle on Conor Chaplin roused the home supporters early on, and he blended finesse with tenacity in a spirited performance.
Dwight McNeil 8
Playing in an unaccustomed role on the right wing, his corners have enhanced Everton’s set-piece deliveries, and after doubling their lead with a brilliant strike from outside the box that completely deceived Palmer in the Ipswich goal, he remained a persistent danger cutting inside and delivering crosses.
Iliman Ndiaye 6
Given a chance in the number 10 role, he produced a few dazzling dribbles and deft touches, but nothing fully materialized, including a promising opportunity at the back post from a Mykolenko cross.
Carlos Alcaraz 7
Displayed purposeful dribbling and showcased his skill with a precise, inswinging right-foot cross from the left to set up Beto’s goal, continuing to earn praise for his effort after the break, though he nearly lost his composure in a confrontation with Conor Chaplin, resulting in bookings for both.
Beto 7
Had some wayward first touches and couldn’t connect cleanly on a close-range header, but after creating excitement with an overhead bicycle kick attempt, he delivered a classic striker’s header to put Everton ahead and led the line with dedication.
Substitutes
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (on 77 for Beto) 6
Long-awaited return after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since January 25.
Jack Harrison (on 77 for McNeil) 6
Provided fresh energy after McNeil’s first start since December.
Ashley Young (on 82 for Patterson)
Introduced to stabilize the team after Ipswich drew level.
Youssef Chermiti (on 89 for Alcaraz)
Late appearance.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 89 for Gueye)
Likewise.
Nafisa
