It was the kind of afternoon that separates the optimists from the realists. A man light after 23 minutes, Everton dug in, rode their luck, and came away with three points that felt heavier than most. The rearguard action will not make the end-of-season DVD, but it might just make the season.
Barry's header from the corner — harshly ruled out by VAR for a phantom obstruction — was the moment the crowd found its voice. The decision only sharpened the edge. From there, the ten-man Tractor Boys threw everything forward and Everton's back line answered every question.
Player ratings: the ones that mattered
Pickford commanded his box and his area; Branthwaite won everything in the air; and Barry's all-round performance deserved more than the goal VAR took away. The ratings are in, and the debate is already raging in the comments.
