Everton needed perfect response as chaos shifted to embarrassing Nottingham Forest

Everton’s week began in humiliation but Goodison Park united to land a massive blow that sent a relegation rival into farce.

As those in blue applauded the supporters who backed them despite the collapse at Chelsea days earlier, decision-makers at Nottingham Forest were signing off a statement that should have been scrapped in embarrassment.

As a result, the headlines from a win that took Everton to the cusp of Premier League survival will instead focus on the desperate claims of bias Forest launched at officials after the final whistle. That Everton, days after a 6-0 humbling at Chelsea, should not be the team that ends this week in chaos is testament to the significance of this crucial win.

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It is also testament to the power of Goodison and the resilience that appeared to have been lost across a difficult few months at Everton. Before the match, supporter group the 1878s spent days telegraphing the importance of rallying behind the players at another time of need - the third season in a row. They acted again and the Gwladys Street and Park End were resplendent with flags, banners and cards as the players emerged from the tunnel.

Those players - and Sean Dyche - knew it was their responsibility to respond on the pitch after days of frank, candid soul-searching at Finch Farm. They did, and this 2-0 win moves Everton five points clear of the bottom three with a game in hand and a superior goal difference to Luton Town, the team at the top of the relegation zone.

Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil’s goals place Everton in a commanding position over both the