12th May, 2017
Photo: Getty Image
Ross Barkley’s goal settled Everton’s meeting with Watford after the build-up to the match was dominated by uncertainty over the midfielder’s Goodison Park future.
Barkley swept home a curling shot from 20 yards shortly after break as Sebastian Prodl failed to close him down.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman said on Thursday that Barkley had until next weekend to agree to a contract extension or he would be sold.
According to the BBC, Watford rarely threatened, although the physicality of Stefano Okaka caused a few nervy moments late on.
Enner Valencia could have made the scoreline more comfortable for the hosts but was denied by a good save from Heurelho Gomes.
Barkley goal disguises complex decision
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri joined the standing ovation for Barkley when he departed the action 10 minutes from time, but it could yet also be a farewell to the home fans.
Koeman’s public ultimatum seemed to spur the 23-year-old into life as he swerved in the box and tested Gomes with a low hard shot in the opening minutes.
His fifth Premier League goal of the season came soon after the interval as Prodl’s retreat allowed him the time and the angle to beat Gomes.
However the energy of Kevin Mirallas – who signed a new three-year deal before kick-off – and the obvious promise of Tom Davies, still only 18, showed why Everton are prepared to play hardball in their negotiations.
Given Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ajax’s Davy Klaassen have been mentioned as possible midfield recruits, and taking into account his sporadic form over the whole season, it may well be that Barkley needs Everton more than they need him.