Everton and Ipswich Town played to an exhilarating 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a match that showcased the resilience of both teams. The encounter was particularly significant as it marked the penultimate Premier League game at the iconic venue before Everton's move to a new stadium this summer.
David Moyes' Everton came into the match hoping to secure a much-needed victory after a difficult run of form that saw them win just one of their last ten games. They were buoyed by the return of key players, including Dwight McNeil, who was making his first start since undergoing knee surgery. The home side began brightly, taking the lead in the 27th minute when Beto scored with a well-timed header from a Carlos Alcaraz cross, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Just eight minutes later, McNeil doubled Everton's advantage with a stunning strike from outside the box. His right-footed shot swerved past Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer, marking a triumphant return for the winger who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club. "I thought he scored a good goal," Moyes said post-match, acknowledging McNeil's impact on the game. "Still lacked a bit of intensity in his play during the first half but got better in the second half."
However, Ipswich Town, already relegated and looking to salvage pride in their final games of the season, were not to be outdone. Just before halftime, Julio Enciso pulled one back for the visitors with a sensational long-range effort that left Everton's defense scrambling. The Paraguayan midfielder jinked past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot from 30 yards that flew into the top corner, igniting hope for the away side.
As the second half unfolded, the momentum shifted. Ipswich began to dominate possession, and their efforts were rewarded in the 79th minute when substitute George Hirst scored the equalizer. Hirst met a cross from Omari Hutchinson at the back post, heading the ball down into the net, much to the delight of the traveling supporters. The Ipswich fans erupted with chants of "Two-nil and you f***ed it up," capturing the frustration felt by the Everton faithful.
Despite Everton's early dominance, they struggled to maintain control in the second half, managing only a handful of attempts on goal. Moyes expressed disappointment in his team's inability to secure the win, stating, "We're disappointed. We never shook Ipswich off, really. They were always there or thereabouts. I thought we did really well in the opening parts, got the goals eventually, but I think the goal before halftime gave them something."
For Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, the draw was a testament to his team's fighting spirit. "I’m really proud. It was always going to be a tough game for us. I don’t think it had been a 2-0 game, but the group responded really well. It took a great goal to get us back into it, but the group stuck together and I think we deserved at least a point," he remarked after the match.
The match statistics reflected a closely contested battle, with Everton recording an xG (expected goals) of 0.57 compared to Ipswich's 0.81. The draw leaves Everton in 14th place with 39 points, while Ipswich remains at the bottom of the table, now 17 points adrift of safety.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial fixtures next week. Ipswich will host Brentford at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, while Everton will visit Fulham at the same time. These matches will be pivotal for both clubs as they aim to finish the season on a high note.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere at Goodison Park was a mix of relief and frustration. Fans had come expecting a victory but left feeling that their team had let a golden opportunity slip away. The draw serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where even the most comfortable of leads can evaporate in an instant.
With only one home game left before the move to a new stadium, Everton will be desperate to secure a win against Southampton on May 18, 2025, to send their loyal supporters off with a memorable farewell to Goodison Park.
