Everton’s atmosphere has been one of the most revered aspects of the club in recent years, having emerged as a shining light during an otherwise dull period.
It is even widely regarded that, during the 2021/22 season, their support kept a lacklustre team up against all the odds.
Willing to back their team despite how the form book reads, the Toffees have needed this kind of support whilst fighting other clubs around the drop zone as well as the Premier League itself too.
However, they certainly made their feelings known on Saturday during their 3-0 opening-day loss to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Micah Richards delivers Everton atmosphere verdict
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, combing over this week’s fixtures thus far, Micah Richards took his time in the spotlight to talk about Everton.
After all, he was at Goodison Park for their opening-day defeat to the Seagulls, inexplicably coming out at half-time to try and save Yakubu’s penalties alongside Tony Bellew.
It felt like a fever dream watching this unlikely trio emerge from the stands, in what appeared to be some kind of promotion for Richards’ A League of Their Own.
Regardless, whilst that was his main goal for the day, he was also there to watch the match, and delivered the following assessment: ‘I was at the game. I thought actually Everton did well in certain parts of the game, early on in the game, but it’s the same thing with Everton.
‘The crowd was electric again. A couple of chances in the first half, they don’t bury them and they get punished. And that just seems to be the theme for Everton all the time. They can’t keep riding their luck.’
Goodison Park made their feelings known to Sean Dyche and the players
Just as likely as they are to support the team through the darkest periods, this is a fanbase who also expects plenty, yet seldom receive what they sorely crave.
Their demands are not particularly lofty, but an unrelenting work rate sits above all else, and should players be deemed to be shirking their responsibilities, the home crowd will let them know.
Saturday marked one such occasion, as everything that could have gone wrong did.
A disallowed goal, hitting the post, a penalty overturned and a red card all contributed to their miserable afternoon, which saw Goodison Park swiftly empty as the minutes drained away.
However, it was in the 85th minute when things really got ugly, as fans poured out of the ground after Mason Holgate was brought on.
Then, those who did stay at full-time rang a chorus of boos around the Old Lady, despite an admirable opening 60 minutes.
Hopefully, in what is this famous ground’s last campaign as the home of Everton, they can endure very few days like that.
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