Everton have just one match left at Goodison Park before their monumental relocation.
David Moyes failed to guide his team to a win in their second-to-last match at the Old Lady against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
It is not the first instance in recent months that Everton have relinquished a two-goal lead at Goodison.
Beto caught the attention of Owen Hargreaves with his first goal in roughly two months to break the deadlock against the Tractor Boys.
However, much of the spotlight was on the opposing forward, Liam Delap.
Everton supporters admired Delap’s tenacity for Ipswich, but there was an instance where his aggression crossed the line in the first 45 minutes.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has now offered his perspective on the contentious episode with Everton News.
Mark Clattenburg shares Ipswich Town red card verdict after Everton draw:
Delap faced criticism for being overly aggressive against Everton in their earlier clash this season, where James Tarkowski outplayed him.
A similar pattern emerged at Goodison Park as the 22-year-old fouled Jarrad Branthwaite mere seconds after clashing with Jake O’Brien.
Delap had already received a yellow card for his altercation with O’Brien, but the referee took no action for his late challenge on Branthwaite.
Although the Everton centre-back needed medical attention, Clattenburg told Everton News that no further action was warranted.
“After already having a yellow card earlier in the match, Delap runs the risk of getting another yellow card and then a red card for his challenge on Branthwaite shortly after,” he said.
“However, I agree with the referee Lewis Smith as this challenge does not meet the threshold of a second yellow card.
“The challenge did not have any use of the arm or was in a dangerous manner so the referee was right to judge this as a careless foul. However, he would run the risk of a sending-off if he commits further fouls in the match.”
Everton are keen to secure Delap’s signature this summer, but this aspect of his play could potentially limit his time on the pitch.
Liam Delap could add a lot of fight to Everton’s attack:
Beto may have shone, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned from injury to play a few minutes at the end.
But Everton are focusing on acquiring a new striker in the summer transfer window as they aim to bolster their attack with genuine quality.
Delap may not have found the net at Goodison, but the young forward has outscored all of Everton’s strikers while playing for a relegated side.
Some Everton fans may have been irritated by Delap’s actions on Saturday, but others will undoubtedly appreciate the intensity he brought to the match.