Merson amazed by Ipswich’s ‘unbelievable’ Enciso v Everton, Pickford forced to agree
Julio Enciso had Paul Merson almost lost for words as a stunning moment unfolded during the clash between Everton and Ipswich Town.
Beto had opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a delightful header, finishing off a fine cross from loanee Carlos Alcaraz, before Dwight McNeil added a second on Saturday, 3 May.
The Toffees looked in cruise control, set to claim just their second win in their last 10 matches, but one of the Tractor Boys’ most influential players added some nerves to the game at Goodison Park.
Enciso jinked past a couple of players before unleashing a strike from long range, giving Jordan Pickford absolutely no chance, and Merson could not believe his eyes at such an incredible effort.
Paul Merson stunned by incredible goal at Goodison Park
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (3 May, 3:42pm), Merson said: “Oh! Oh my! What a goal! Oh, I’ve seen some goal, Enciso. He scored an unbelievable goal for Brighton against Chelsea once, but this is unbelievable.
“He gets the ball here about 35 yards out on the half-turn, beats one player, gets his head up, 35 yards out, hits it, oh my! It hits the bar and goes in, it’s a dipper, it’s an unbelievable shot.
“Oh, what a goal! Pickford has dived full-length and can’t save it.”
The goal was clearly impressive, so much so that Pickford congratulated the goalscorer. It was a nice moment, with Everton no longer at risk of relegation and Ipswich’s demise already confirmed.
George Hirst then beat the Toffees’ goalkeeper with 10 minutes remaining, seeing the score tied up for the home side’s penultimate game at Goodison Park.
David Moyes still has plenty of work to do this summer
Football Insider verdict
While early form following Moyes’ appointment sparked slim hopes of qualifying for Europe this season, recent results have highlighted the areas where improvements must be made this summer.
James Tarkowski’s injury has left Everton light in defence, with Jake O’Brien not looking as solid as his veteran teammate, but Jarrad Branthwaite must be kept on Merseyside at all costs.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| David Moyes | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 29.4 |
The midfield section looks set for the 2025/26 campaign, that is, if Idrissa Gueye pens new terms at Everton, but the same cannot be said in the final third if the Toffees want to climb up the table.
Although Beto has become a favourite figure for the Toffees, Armando Broja’s loan deal has not been a success, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is likely going to leave as a free agent this summer.
Signing a consistent goalscorer is exactly what is needed this summer, and with The Friedkin Group able to splash far more cash than Farhad Moshiri, there should be no issues in finding a new centre-forward.