Enner Valencia has scored his first Everton goal – and first in a year – to help the Toffees to their New Year’s redemption against the Saints.
Enner Valencia scores his first Everton goal
Kevin Mirallas zipped a perfectly weighted and accurate pass into Romelu Lukaku, whose deft touch put him in a great position to play the ball into space for Seamus Coleman. Coleman returned the favor, delivering an inviting cross in for the big Belgian, who headed down expertly, forcing a great kick save from Fraser Forster.
The English keeper couldn’t control the rebound and Valencia was Johnny on the spot to fire home from close range.
Valencia came on in the 61st minute for Aaron Lennon, who endured a miserable afternoon at Goodison. It was an inspired, and necessary, substitution from Ronald Koeman. Valencia’s pace, drive and desire to get forward and trouble a shaky Saints’ backline changed the complexion of the game almost instantly.
Valencia instrumental in Everton’s second
The Ecuadorian was instrumental in Everton’s second goal, too. Maya Yoshida, who was in for the suspended Virgil van Dijk, made an inexplicable rash, ill-timed challenge on Valencia. It was a stonewall penalty and Leighton Baines, as he usually does, scored decisively from the spot.
Leighton Baines Penalty Goal Everton vs Southampton 2 0 Premier League 2017: https://t.co/XD1tdLoL08 via @YouTube
— Football Highlight (@wayworld32) January 2, 2017
Lukaku puts the match to bed
Romelu Lukaku capped off a wonderful 15-minute spell from the Toffees by unleashing a venomous drive into the top netting. Tom Davies’ incisive and accurate pass let Lukaku set his body and thrash a sweetly struck drive. Yoshida was once again at fault, as the center back afforded Everton’s talisman with way too much time and space.
Lukaku Goal Everton vs Southampton 3 0 Lukaku Goal Premier League: https://t.co/8SKrBx5Y5Y via @YouTube
— Football Highlight (@wayworld32) January 2, 2017
But take nothing away from Lukaku’s finish. It was a goals out of the top class, once again showcasing the striker’s power and technique. The Belgian now has 11 goals so far this season, three behind the league leader, Diego Costa.
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The final 30 minutes of this match more than made up for the first 60. It looked like a stalemate was on the cards before Everton took full advantage of Southampton’s makeshift defense. It’s a perfect way to start 2017 for the Toffees, who are six points adrift of sixth place Manchester United.