Southampton vs Everton: diabolical defense & 4 other key takeaways
By Gary Pearson
Charlie Austin scored with his head from close range after 40 seconds to give Southampton a 1-0 win in yet another poor Everton performance.
Yet another Phil Jagielka defensive blunder led to Austin’s sixth goal of the season. The 1-0 scoreline flattered Everton, who were utterly dominated in every facet of the match. The result could have been embarrassing if it weren’t for Maarten Stekelenburg’s heroics.
Here’s five takeaways from the sad St. Mary’s display.
5. Yannick Bolasie, Everton’s lone bright spot
Though his finishing left a lot to be desired, he was spry and lively throughout the match. Yannick Bolasie, with direct, marauding dashes down the byline was the only player who tested Southampton’s defense. He tracked back at times defensively, too. Bolasie, though, misfired on multiple occasions, his last touch repeatedly letting him, and Everton, down.
4. Everton’s goalscoring woes
It doesn’t look like Romelu Lukaku likes leaving Merseyside, which is highlighted by his poor goal scoring record away from home. He has failed to score in 14 of 18 away games and the big Belgian, even more worryingly, almost looked disinterested at St. Mary’s. He had as many touches, two, in Everton’s box as he did in Southampton’s.
His movement was lacking and his temperament was flat. In fairness, he didn’t get the kind of service top strikers need but there was a palpable apathy in the 23 year old’s play. Lukaku didn’t get a shot on goal all match. The solitary man up front becomes more lonely with each passing match.
Gareth Barry had the only shot on target for Everton on the day. If Lukaku doesn’t score, where are the goals going to come from? Kevin Mirallas is now a bit-part player devoid of confidence, Bolasie cannot find his scoring touch and Aaron Lennon is a shadow of his former self. January cannot come fast enough.
3. Maarten Stekelenburg saves Toffees from further embarrassment
I dread to think what the final score would have been without Maarten Stekelenburg’s usual heroic exploits. Stekelenburg, barring a few sketchy moments earlier in the campaign, is undoubtedly Everton’s most valuable player.
He once again saved both Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman from further embarrassment against the Saints. Stekelenburg made six saves, most of them from uncontested, point-blank opportunities. He was magnificent once more and had no chance on Southampton’s lone marker. Jagielka and Coleman are forever indebted to the big Dutchman.
2. Everton’s diabolical defense
Jagielka was the villain once again for Everton, as his missed header in the first minute directly led to Austin’s winning goal. Whether he mistimed his jump or doesn’t have the vertical he once did, there’s no excuse for such a disastrous blunder, especially at the top level of English football.
The ball pinged off of Seamus Coleman’s chest and fell favorably for Southampton, who made Everton pay. Coleman didn’t know much about the incident, as he fully expected Jagielka to clear the danger. Bemused by what he witnessed, Coleman’s reaction said it all.
Both Coleman and Jagielka whiffed at crosses again in the second half, which again led to golden scoring chances. Austin’s header was miraculously saved by Stekelenburg.
To compound matters, Southampton debutant Josh Sims ran rampant over a tired, weary Toffees defense. It reminded me of the Tortoise and the Hare. Unfortunately, slow and steady never wins the race in the Premier League.
The time has come for Jagielka to graciously bow out of Everton’s starting 11. Either that, or Ronald Koeman has to force the aging captain’s hand.
1. Everton supporters deserve better
Everton supporters are the most passionate in the Premier League and deserve better. Toffees again, on a cold, brisk and blustery winter afternoon, sold out their seat allocation on the south coast for the Southampton match.
They’ve also sold out every home game so far this season and are on pace to break the attendance record. It wouldn’t matter if a hurricane was on its way. Toffees supporters would chain themselves to the seat to avoid being blown away. But they’d still show up. It’s about time the players follow suit.
Next: January forward transfer targets rumor roundup
Everton players have covered the fourth least amount of space in the Premier League. There is a palpable lack of desire and commitment, which is by far the most disconcerting thing about Everton’s poor run of form.
Bring on January, so Koeman can bring players to the club who will show the motivation, inspiration and passion Toffees supporters deserve.