Everton recorded yet another away loss, their eight of the season.
Everton came to Southampton with an aim to register their second successive league win for the first time since September 2021. Saint Mary’s Stadium has somewhat been a fortress for Ralph Husenhuttl’s side, losing just once in 11 home games this season.
It proved to be a little too much to ask for from Everton as the Toffees faltered to a 2-0 loss to Southampton. In a complete opposite to what was seen against Leeds, Everton today were bland and underwhelming.
Frank Lampard named an unchanged eleven showing confidence in the set of players that produced one of the most dominating performances against Leeds United. In fact, the 4-4-2 shape was retained as well as this setup proved to be extremely effective last time around.
The Toffees came to Southampton with an aim to complete their first league double over the Saints since 2001-02 season. Everton started on a bright note, playing with confidence, emerging as the better side in the early stages. The Toffees had an early penalty shout which was turned down. Everton somewhat retreated in their shell as Southampton grew in the game.
After the first goal through Stuart Armstrong, it was one way traffic as Everton failed to create anything that threatened Fraser Forster. Shane Long came on and scored his first Premier League goal in 728 days, putting the tie to the bed.
The loss gives a reality check of sorts to Everton that a tremendous amount of work needs to be done if they are to escape the relegation scrap. Such a dreadful performance puts things into perspective after the 3-0 win against Leeds that got the fans dreaming. Awful away performances may cost Everton and if they are to survive, Lampard and his side need to relentless at home.
Jordan Pickford – 8
Jordan Pickford was called into action through a powerful James Ward-Prowse free kick. After a couple of safe collects through corners, Pickford made a save from a weak Mohamed Elyounoussi. The Englishman made yet another close range save to deny Valentino Livramento. He also kept Armando Broja’s shot at bay, showcasing that he is in top form.
In total Pickford produced nine saves as he was the only one who kept Everton in the game for long in the second half. Had Pickford not been in his golden touch, the game would have been done and dusted much earlier.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman had his work cut out in defending against Walker-Peters
Defence:
Seamus Coleman – 5
Seamus Coleman was defensively astute but did find some difficulties in getting forward as Southampton controlled the majority of the proceedings in the first half. Elyounoussi and Walker-Peters were tough to contain but Coleman did a satisfactory job. In the second half, it got a bit too much for the Irishman as Walker-Peters continuously bombarded forward posing all sorts of problems.
Michael Keane – 5
Michael Keane did not have the desired start as he was continuously troubled by Broja. The Englishman was untidy in possession too, misplacing passes and handing the possession back to the Saints.
Another dull performance for Keane, as his inconsistency continues this season. The Englishman was often out of position and did not keep Broja and Armstrong in check as they threatened the Toffees.
Mason Holgate – 7
Tasked with taming Che Adams, Mason Holgate did a commendable job in the first half. He remained calm in nervy moments and even produced a goal saving header. Holgate almost gave away a penalty for a handball but the referee did not rule in Southampton’s favour, allowing the play to go on.
Holgate was clearly the better central defender, producing some goal saving interventions and also correcting Keane’s mistakes. The 25 year old himself committed a couple of errors but given the grand scheme of things, Holgate was better than the rest.
Jonjoe Kenny – 5.5
Jonjoe Kenny retained his place in the side as Lampard chose not to push Vitality Mykolenko who has just recovered from COVID. In the first half, Kenny did not get as much forward as he would’ve desired as containing Broja was proving to be a collective task for Keane and Kenny.
The Englishman was somewhat lost in the second half as his focus remained on defending and keeping the likes of Armstrong and Livramento silent. Everton hardly got forward and Kenny hardly had the chance to supplement in the attack.
Alex Iwobi struggled to make any impact for Everton
Midfield:
Alex Iwobi – 5
Alex Iwobi started the game on a strong note but soon he was puzzled as Southampton dominated the ball. The Nigerian lost the ball on far too many occasions and failed to show the same intensity that he showcased against Leeds. As the Toffees chased a 1-0 deficit, Iwobi was taken off for Andros Townsend.
Allan – 4.5
Allan was booked early on for a rash challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters. Soon, he made another reckless foul forcing captain Coleman to ask Allan to calm down. With Allan walking on a tight rope, the Toffees struggled to put in the required challenges and pressure. The Brazilian was also not in his element as he trod with caution. He was taken off at half time.
Donny van de Beek – 6
Donny van de Beek started his second successive game, starting ahead of Andre Gomes in central midfield. The Dutchman was comfortable on the ball, making some penetrations in the early stages of the game. However, as Southampton grew in the game, Van de Beek became a spectator as the majority of the possession was with the Saints.
In the second half, Van de Beek couldn’t really make a mark as Southampton seemed relentless on the ball and the little possession Everton had was given away far too easily.
Anthony Gordon – 6.5
Anthony Gordon got on the ball, was huffing and puffing, trying to create something. Gordon did have a difficult time in carrying out his defensive responsibilities as Stuart Armstrong posed all sorts of threats to Everton.
Gordon’s involvement diminished in the second half as he hardly got onto the ball and when he did, he failed to create anything that posed a threat to the home side.
Everton seemed toothless in attack
Attack:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Started off brightly but never really got near the goal. The Toffees lacked the incisive touch in the final third. Calvert-Lewin was starved of any service as the Royal Blues failed to penetrate the final third and on occasions that they did, they couldn’t string up passes that created danger of any sort.
Calvert-Lewin was also booked in the first half for a nasty challenge on Mohammed Salisu. The Englishman worked hard to win the ball but couldn’t muster a shot at goal. Looked knackered in the final stages of the game.
Richarlison – 6
Richarlison was fouled pretty recklessly on a couple of occasions. He had a chance early on in the game and he should have done better on that occasion. The Brazilian hardly had any chances to shoot at goal and was feeding off scraps throughout the game.
Richarlison did try to win battles and create opportunities but none of them resulted in clear cut chances.
Substitutions:
Andre Gomes – 3
Andre Gomes came on for Allan in order to provide some solidity and fluidity in midfield but the Portuguese looked completely out of sync and was off the pace. He gave away the ball far too cheaply which resulted in Southampton’s first goal.
Andros Townsend – 5
Andros Townsend came for Iwobi as Lampard attempted to get Everton back in the game. Apart from a few carries forward, he hardly could do anything in attack
Dele Alli – 5
Came on for Anthony Gordon in the 75th minute. Alli tried to muster something in 15 odd minutes as the Toffees seemed to be chasing a lost cause.
How would you rate Everton’s performance?