Everton 1-0 Sheffield United
By James Nalton
at Goodison Park

GIVEN the circumstances in which their club find themselves, Everton fans could not have asked for a better end to the season as far as results on the pitch are concerned.

Amid ownership issues, stalling takeover bids, and an uncertain summer ahead, Sean Dyche’s team have still managed to win their last five home games.

The most recent of them came against Sheffield United on Saturday in their last game at Goodison Park this season.

The 1-0 win means Everton now have 17 points from their last eight games, with the only defeat being the 6-0 loss at Chelsea, which can now be put down as an aberration.

There was an end-of-season feel to the Sheffield United game. That was until United defender Jack Robinson pushed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the ground, sparking a scuffle on the pitch and calls for a red card from the Everton contingent.

Robinson got away with just a yellow, but Calvert-Lewin had the bigger say having just set up Abdoulaye Doucoure for the game’s only goal.

On top of the positive results, Everton have not conceded a single goal in this run of five consecutive home wins.

The players returned to the field after the final whistle to thank the fans for their support this season.

It follows a couple of years where Everton’s Premier League safety has not been as secure going into the final run of games but this year, even with an eight-point deduction, they managed to avoid a stressful last few games.

“The fans have paid us back with their support,” said Dyche.

“The players have put a real shift in this season, and myself and the staff. I think there’s a good connection.

“I think the fans have stayed strong when we really needed them, particularly after a heavy defeat [at Chelsea] and they stayed true to the team.”

Everton’s involvement in the business end of the season is not over yet though, as they travel to title challengers Arsenal for their final game of the season on Sunday.