Dominic Calvert-Lewin's diving header five minutes from time extended Everton's proud 71-year stay in the top flight with a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace on a night for the ages at Goodison Park.
Needing a victory to make themselves safe and avoid an awkward last-day trip to top-four-chasing Arsenal, the situation looked bleak when they went 2-0 down inside 36 minutes.
But manager Frank Lampard's tactical changes, plus the sheer emotion and force of a raucous crowd, dramatically turned things around in the second half as first Michael Keane and then Richarlison, with his sixth in nine games, teed up a rousing finale.
And with the stage set, Calvert-Lewin - fresh from scoring his first goal since August in Saturday's defeat to Brentford - launched himself at a free-kick and watched as the Gwladys Street End behind the goal exploded, followed by the rest of the ground.
The pressure had been so unbearable for so long, hundreds of fans and smoke grenades spilled onto the pitch in celebration and, while it was short-lived and good-natured, referee Anthony Taylor and his assistants retreated behind a wall of police on the touchline.
There was another incursion by thousands at the final whistle and inevitably there will be consequences for Everton, but nothing as damaging as what was staring them in the face with 150 minutes remaining of their season.
The calamitous nature of their defending which allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew to put the visitors into a deserved two-goal lead was forgotten on a night of celebration and relief at the final whistle.
Calvert-Lewin hailed Everton's turnaround win and revealed his delight at making the difference after having his commitment questioned during an injury-hit season.
"It is unbelievably special. The amount of pressure that was on us, going 2-0 down and to get 2-2, I felt we were going to nick another one and I wanted to make sure I was in the right area. It was an incredible, incredible experience," he told Sky Sports.
"What a roller coaster football is sometimes. It is why we love the game, why the fans love the game. In an ideal situation we wouldn't be in the position we were but then it produces moments like that and you can go from low to high so quick.
"I don't think I'll sleep tonight or maybe I will. What a night. Words can't describe that feeling of scoring that goal."
Calvert-Lewin, who grabbed only his fifth goal of the campaign, admitted the "biggest weight" had been lifted off their shoulders.
On the fans, he added: "It has been unbelievable, the way they have been supporting us, welcoming us into the ground, blue flares everywhere, it has been an unbelievable experience and they have made difference at the end of the day.
"You look at the way we have played, we were unlucky in the last game (against Brentford) but this game, when we got the first goal back they made the difference for me.
"On a personal note, I know some fans have questioned my commitment to the club but I always give 100 per cent. I hope my goal today shows that and the way I worked in the game. I am just pleased I have kind of made the difference in the end."
