What Andre Gomes did after Everton win spoke volumes as Jarrad Branthwaite shows his class

Some of the players will not yet know it, but the lap of honour at Goodison Park on Saturday will be their final goodbye to the Everton supporters on home turf.

Twelve of the matchday squad against Sheffield United are entering the final weeks, or the final year, of their current deals and this is set to be a summer of turnover in the dressing room.

That added poignancy to an occasion in which players and supporters were able to celebrate together after both rallied to save Everton in the face of extreme, unprecedented adversity. Andre Gomes in particular appeared to take an extra moment to appreciate his surroundings. After the Blues finished their home campaign with a fifth win in a row in L4, here are some of the stories beyond the headlines of the 1-0 victory over the Blades.

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Seamus Coleman gets a hero’s reception - just in case

The expectation is that Seamus Coleman will remain an Everton player next season. Talks with the club are ongoing, he is keen to carry on and no-one doubts that he is an enormous positive influence in the dressing room and a vital link between Finch Farm and the supporters. Until a new deal is done, no-one will take anything for granted, however, and it was fitting that he was able to be front and centre of the club’s season finale at Goodison just in case something unexpected happens. The club captain was roared onto the pitch when he led the sides out and the home fans burst into his “60 grand” song within minutes of the kick-off, returning to it throughout. On the final whistle, Coleman was then able to lead the squad around the ground for a first lap of honour in five years. This probably was not goodbye, but he can be in little doubt of the esteem he is held in as discussions continue over a new contract.

Jack Harrison’s popularity clear as player cuts a content figure at Everton

Jack Harrison pulled a hamstring in training, rendering him unable to take part in the final game at Goodison and unavailable for the trip to Arsenal next week. Whether his time in Royal Blue is over remains to be seen. His loan spell from Leeds United has been a success and Sean Dyche suggested the club would explore a return over the summer, something that will be dependent on both the stretched finances of Everton and the needs of Leeds, who could yet be promoted through the Championship play-offs. One thing that is clear is that Harrison is a popular figure on Merseyside and he was very much an active part of the occasion on Saturday, a hint that he too would likely be open to a return to the Blues. When the players emerged from the tunnel to begin their pre-match warm-up, Harrison was already on the pitch. The 27-year-old had been out to take in the famous surroundings for one more time. He then stood on the touchline and embraced every single team-mate that emerged to start their preparations for the game. Harrison then watched from the directors box alongside fellow injured teammates Vitalii Mykolenko and Vitalii Mykolenko before joining the post-match lap of honour.

Classy Jarrad Branthwaite adds to touching Michael Jones tributes

Jarrad Branthwaite has had an excellent season and continued it against Sheffield United, marshalling the defence to yet another clean sheet. It has been a superb breakthrough year for the young centre-back, one that will mean he is the subject of a very busy summer. Branthwaite should have done enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad for the Euros and could make a late challenge for a starting place. He will no doubt be targeted by clubs looking for a long-term solution in a key area and while his price tag should be significant, it may well be one that resolves several short-term financial issues that might be prevalent for Everton, as reluctant as the club would be to sell him. Branthwaite’s display was impressive yet again, but just as notable was his behaviour on the final whistle. This was a game in which tributes were dedicated to Michael Jones, the construction worker and Blues supporter who tragically died while working on the club’s new stadium. A touching flag was unveiled in the Gwladys Street as the players walked out of the tunnel and, after the game, Branthwaite added his own support. Given a scarf that was dedicated to Michael, he wore it on the lap of honour after the match and later posed for pictures showing his backing for the tributes.

Andre Gomes gets a black eye and leaves key question unanswered

Among those whose contracts will run out in the coming weeks is Gomes. His future is uncertain and, while he has overcome injury issues to play a bigger role than many expected in the second half of the campaign, his future will likely lie away from Merseyside. The midfielder was able to enjoy a runout at Goodison on what could well be his final game there in Royal Blue, but could not finish it after getting caught in the face in stoppage time. After the match he took to social media to explain he suffered a black eye and to thank supporters for their backing in a post that, in a couple of weeks, may be looked back upon as a farewell message. He wrote: “Another win on our last home game of the season. Toffees, thank you for your unconditional support. I’m glad I could see and feel it once again. Even with a black eye.”

Sheffield United supporters bring the noise despite relegation

One notable feature of this match was the noise made throughout by the travelling fanbase. In a season in which Everton officials took to, at times, promoting foodbank support to expose the minority of visiting fans who turned to pathetic chants about poverty on Merseyside, the Blades focused on football. Their willingness to embrace a return to the Championship included running through the clubs they will visit next year and chants against VAR, which is not yet a feature in the second tier. The away end added to the occasion on Saturday and deserved the praise that has been sent their way by Everton supporters following the game.