Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium may not be like Goodison Park yet, but it's getting there. The 3-0 win over Chelsea last weekend proved that.
After months of uncertainty about their new stadium, Everton fans have finally made it their home. A loud, bouncy and almost hostile win over Chelsea was proof of this.
A cursory glance at social media will confirm this. Ax was overwhelmed by the number of Everton fans admitting after the game that it finally felt like Hill Dickinson was at home. And this has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo Today is the latest international publication to highlight Everton's rebirth, with Hill Dickinson's now famous "Blue Wall" hailed as the heartbeat of a potential new era for the Toffees.
Sunshine, smoke and a statement of victory
With a capacity of 53,000, Hill Dickinson has transformed match days at the Mersey. But it's the 13,000-strong single tier South Stand, steep, deafening and fearlessly blue, that stands out.
Mundo is certainly impressed, and says it's Everton's answer to the Kop at Anfield or Borussia Dortmund's yellow wall.
According to the newspaper it reflects the spirit of Goodison's Gwladys Street while creating something distinctively modern. For visiting teams, it's an intimidating sight, as Chelsea found out. For Everton fans, it is a symbol of resilience.
Mundo says an example of this is the Everton Way, a walkway of 36,000 engraved stones telling the Evertonian story.
An inscription reads: "We don't know how strong we are until being strong is the only option we have."
According to Mundo, it perfectly reflects the mood of the reborn club.
to establish, to move forward
The last few years have been tough for Everton fans, including having to leave their famous and beloved old home Goodison Park.
But March 20thth Starting with the scenes before the game against Chelsea, it felt symbolic. The rare Liverpool sunshine that morning was taken as a sign.
Hours before kick-off fans lined the streets to welcome the Everton coach, Everton Way was buzzing with life and blue smoke filled the air as supporters escorted Everton to their new home.
The payoff was clear as Chelsea succumbed and Everton secured their first back-to-back wins at their new home. mundo called it a 'Acoustic Weapon' And 'Electrification'. It seems that a tired fan has woken up.
focus on Europe
The focus now turns to a late push for Europe, with Everton just three points behind Liverpool in fifth. The Champions League may be long, but the Europa League or Conference League are there for the taking.
According to Mundo, 'Finally the sun also came out' For them. Backed by the Friedkin Group, at least for the Spanish newspaper the belief is that they are now in a position 'A period of renewal in every sense'.
In fact, he argues that Everton should never have done this 'Abandoned reputation' In first place. Now they've got it back in a spectacular new stadium on Liverpool's waterfront.
With the fans now also settled, it has become a situation 'Incredible atmosphere' supported by 'Violent' south stand he 'kill immediately' They are on their journey. He is at least impressed by Everton, their fans and the stadium that finally feels like home.
