LITTLE PALACES
“And the doors swing back and forward, from the past into the present…”
Elvis Costello, ‘Little Palaces’ 1986
| Palace, eh. Jesus. An opening day fixture against The Eagles makes you think of Howard Kendall’s third spell in charge back in 97/98 and Lombardo letting us know how tough that season was going to be. But, these days, memories of Palace at home means on thing: 3-2. Who was there? Thursday May 19th 2022, Frank Lampard in charge and a relegation-threatened Everton side under as much pressure as they’d ever been following defeat at home to Brentford on the Saturday. It didn’t start well. Two down before half time thanks to a soft set piece and Seamus showing his age on the half way line. Throw in an embarrassing goalmouth scramble that brought to mind Gary Ablett and Wimbledon and the grey skies were gathering. The Blues made us happy in the second half, though. The Deli sub. Gray putting a shift in. Keane’s measured volley and Richarlison’s will to win getting us back in it. And then… the goosebumps are starting. It was the following year ahead of the Bournemouth game on the final day that Evertonian and Fans Against Foodbanks chair Dave Kelly said “Everton don’t go down”. It might have been tempting fate, but fate isn’t tangible. What is tangible is EFC’s top flight record. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal that night v Palace was tangible. The sun setting in the corner of Goodison Road as the cross came in was tangible. The number nine’s diving header was tangible. And the relief… the relief of almost 40,000 Blues lucky enough to get a ticket was… palpable. We all know what happened next (and again). But in that moment, the joy released by the unstoppable force of relief that flowed through us all as Dom peeled off towards St Luke’s to celebrate… that joy was tangible. Evertonian joy. Everton joy. Delirium when wining against all odds. That’s Everton, that. And, remember Palace at home last year when Grealish got the late winner? That’s what this place can be an’ all. Happy new season, Blues. |
Words: Alan O’ Hare | Photo: Tony McArdle (Everton FC)
