Everton gained a vital three points in their survival bid with a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Richarlison scored the only goal of the game in the first minute of the second half in front of a raucous atmosphere at Goodison Park.
The victory sees the Toffees close the gap to Leeds United in 17th to just two points with five matches remaining, one more than Jesse Marsch’s outfit.
The build-up to the game was already making the headlines before a ball was even kicked as throughout the night before the match Everton fans let off fireworks outside the hotel Chelsea were staying at and there was also an enormous reception to greet the Everton team bus when it arrived at the ground.
Once the match had kicked off, the noise did not cease and every successful pass and tackle was met with a round of applause and roar from the Goodison faithful.
It clearly inspired Frank Lampard’s player as they successfully nullified their opponents throughout the first 45 and had the half’s best opportunity when a low shot from Anthony Gordon just whistled wide at the near post.
Then within a minute of play resuming after the break, Richarlison caught out Cesar Azpilicueta dawdling with the ball on the edge of his area and, with a little help from Demarai Gray, poked the Blues in front sending the ground into delirium.
In any other circumstances, the Brazilian would have been the hero of the day but that title was earned soon after by Jordan Pickford as he raced across his line to somehow keep out Azpilicueta’s effort after Mason Mount’s shot had struck the inside of the post.
It was one of the most remarkable saves anyone had seen for a long time, and it inspired the Toffees to a crucial win.
Everton had secured an incredible victory against the European champions with a performance that deserved a massive amount of praise.
Every single player in blue had run their socks off and given their all, the single thing Evertonians crave above all else.
Yerry Mina’s return to the side was essential and his ability to wind up arguably Chelsea’s most dangerous player in Kai Havertz was a huge boost for Lampard’s side.
While the win gives everyone a lot more confidence for the relegation battle, the job is nowhere near done yet and it’s almost certainly going to take another five performances of those quality minimum if Everton are to retain their Premier League status for next season.
A trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City is what awaits the Blues next.
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