Evertonended a stressful Premier League season with a heavy defeat after they were thumped 5-1 by hosts Arsenal on the final day of the season on Sunday. Everton were in a relegation battle for a big partof the season until a few days to the end when safety was confirmed. The Toffees confirmed their place in the Premier League for next season with the comeback win over visitors Crystal Palace last week Thursday. Everton came from two goals down at the end of the first 45 minutes to score three second half goals to emerge 3-2 winners at home to Palace.
South London outfit Crystal Palace scored twice in the first half during their last game against Everton at Goodison Park thanks to French attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ghanaian international Jordan Ayew. Everton got their goals in the second half throughBrazil international Richarlison and the England international duo of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. English striker Calvert-Lewin played fewer games than he would have liked this season, but he was responsible for the winning goal against the Eagles. His winner ensured that Everton will spend next season in the Premier League rather than in the English Championship.
With survival secured, Everton manager Frank Lampard rested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Richarlison for the Arsenal game. Without the two players, the Toffees were beaten 5-1 by the Gunners.
Arsenal raced into a two-goal lead with the penalty from Gabriel Martinelli and header from Eddie Nketiah before substitute Donny Van De Beek scored for the Toffees shortly after coming on as a first half substitute for Abdoulaye Doucoure to ensure that the half-time scoreline was 2-1. Cedric Soares, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard then scored for the Gunners in the second half to make it a comprehensive win for the hosts.