Ross Barkley helped Everton sign off last home game of this season with a win over Watford.

With his long-term Blues future still undecided, the midfielder left a lasting impression in what could potentially prove his final Goodison Park outing.

Barkley bookended Ronald Koeman’s debut campaign on home soil with a 56th-minute strike from outside the penalty area that settled the encounter.

Here were the key talking points from Goodison:

Barkley leaves a potential final impression

 

If this proves to be his final Everton home outing, Ross Barkley could not have dreamed up a better scenario in which to sign off.

Scenario than scoring the winning goal in front of the Gwladys Street before sliding on his knees and revelling in its adoration was a fairy tale finale.

Opinions remain split on the 23-year-old but the standing ovation he received when substituted showed there remain far more supporters than detractors.

Fans will point to performances such as this one as the reason why the club should be doing their utmost to ensure he signs a new deal this summer.

Schneiderlin integral to Blues’ progress

 

Win-less in their previous three games, Evertonians would have been weary of another disappointing performance.

But Morgan Schneiderlin’s return to the starting lineup will undoubtedly have helped lifted any despondency in their spirits.

The Frenchman has proven to be a superb signing since arriving in January and is very much an integral component of this side now.

He proved that here as he put in a consummate performance in the middle of the park, with a sliding tackle to deny Stefano Okaka a clear goals coring opportunity simply sumptuous.

Schneiderlin has missed the big games this year and if Everton are to challenge higher up the table next season, ensuring his fitness throughout the campaign will be key.

Bare bones exposes need for overhaul

 

A look at the options on the bench for this game was a clear demonstration of why this summer could be the biggest in the club’s history.

With several young stars heading off with the England under-20s, the Blues were left with struggling to fill out their traditional quota of seven.

That they were forced to play Tom Davies at right back, when Mason Holgate was hauled off at half-time, was further evidence of the need for reinforcements.

Improving the starting eleven will be top priority but working to ensure that the squad has a greater depth to it will be key with the added burden of Europa League football to contend with.

From worst back to the best

 

Barkley’s strike was Everton’s first from open play in 159 attempts this season.

A big moment personally, it was also significant for his team with Koeman’s side sealing their own place in the record books courtesy of his strike.

The goal secured another three points and means they have now racked up 43 at home this season, their joint-best tally in the Premier League era.

Given last season saw them only pick up 23 points on home soil, their worst tally in the same period, and the stat takes on added significance.

Koeman has made wholesale improvements at Everton this season but his rebuilding of Fortress Goodison is arguably the biggest of his successes.

No wonder Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright were keen to praise the Dutchman and his players for it after the game.