Seamus Coleman pre-match gesture sums up Everton captain

It will come as no surprise, but Seamus Coleman was not going to let himself get carried away. That’s not how he operates. He has never been one for milking the supporters’ gratitude.

He sees it as an honour and a privilege to captain a club like Everton. He will go down as one of the most inspirational leaders in this club’s history.

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But after tonight, he will also go down as a Goodison great because, when the Blues needed him once again, he stepped up. He answered a major SOS.

When Sean Dyche’s sacking was confirmed just over three hours before kick-off, eyebrows were most certainly raised. Shock was probably the overriding emotion felt by supporters.

But when it was confirmed Coleman and Leighton Baines would oversee the game, a feeling of calm no doubt emerged. Who better to turn to in a time of need?

And when the time came for Coleman's big Goodison Park moment, he appeared to take everything in his stride. Just a firm shake of Darren Ferguson’s hand pre-match, a brief acknowledgement of the fantastic support, and then a brisk, purposeful walk towards his technical area.

This is what you get with Coleman. Everything is straightforward. The only surprise pre-match was that the names of the two were read out over the PA.

As expected, that brought a huge applause from those inside Goodison. And it was in that moment that Coleman, just ever so slightly, let his guard down.

After waving to what one imagines were members of his family in the crowd, the defender patted the Everton badge on his jacket.

It was a rare show of emotion. But that was about as good as it was going to get.

Even at full-time, following a much-needed 2-0 victory, there was no triumphalism, no celebrating on the pitch with his team-mates, just a case of job done.

Coleman’s Everton deal expires at the end of the season, and who knows what will come next, but one thing is for certain: the 36-year-old has created an Everton legacy to be proud of.

Harrison Armstrong comes of age

When David Moyes succeeded Walter Smith as Everton manager back in March 2002, he was left a leaving gift in the shape of Wayne Rooney.

It would be unfair to compare Harrison Armstrong to Rooney, but there is no denying that the Blues have an exciting talent on their hands.

There was just a little over 17 minutes gone at Goodison Park when Armstrong produced a firm, but fair, challenge on Donay O’Brien-Brady. It was the sort of tackle that Blues supporters love to see.

In fact, you could go as far as saying that they are the sort of tackles that have long been missing from Everton’s play. But the youngster was not done there.

He was the best player on the pitch in the opening 45 minutes. On a number of occasions he forced the Peterborough backline into mistakes, and it wasn’t his fault his side failed to pounce on them.

But eventually his good work would get rewarded when Beto collected his fine pass before finishing into an empty net. The assist was no more than he deserved.

One criticism often thrown at Sean Dyche was that he didn’t give young players a chance. But he certainly gave Harrison Armstrong one, and he’s effectively been a member of the Everton first-team squad since.

He doesn't look out of place, and this performance felt like a coming-of-age one for the England youth international. One in which he really showed what he can offer moving forward.

Of course he still has a long way to go in his development. He is nowhere near the finished article, but the early signs look promising.

Moyes went on to be the man who helped shape Rooney’s career. He might still not get the job, of course, but whoever does come in is set to inherit one very promising youngster.

Leighton Baines outlines Everton blueprint

Leighton Baines is renowned for being a man of very few words. He, like co-manager Coleman here, never likes to get carried away. But when he does talk, you should always listen.

And one can only hope that whoever Sean Dyche’s replacement is was listening to what he had to say pre-match. Because it should be the blueprint for Everton moving forward.

Speaking to the broadcasters, the former full-back revealed: "The message to the players will be, 'produce a bright, dynamic performance that is appropriate for Goodison Park'."

The above is exactly what Everton have been missing for most of this season. Under Dyche, performances had become boring and predictable.

Those who came to Goodison often left feeling deflated by what they had witnessed. Everton might have been hard-working, but creative they have not been.

Performances were certainly not bright, dynamic, or appropriate for Goodison Park. And that is what needs to change moving forward.

Things cannot continue as they have been. Which is why you can only hope whoever The Friedkin Group brings in next takes note of what Baines had to say before this game.