Southampton Beat Everton 2-0 At St Mary’s
Southampton maintained their impressive form with a comfortable Premier League victory against a lacklustre Everton at St Mary’s.
Shane Long’s late header – also his first top-flight goal of the campaign – ensured a merited win for Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side, who are now unbeaten in five matches in all competitions.
Until Long struck, Everton retained a slender interest in taking a point largely because of Southampton’s inability to make the most of several excellent chances.
Everton began both halves brightly but quickly faded and the second-half introduction of Dele Alli was unable to provide the necessary spark.
Frank Lampard criticises Everton reaction to Southampton goal
“I did not like the reaction,” said Everton manager Frank Lampard.
“I am here for a reason because we are down in a position we don’t want to be in. In the two games at Goodison I have seen some really good thing – in the two games away, not so much.
“The players need to understand that second half is not good enough. It is not good enough to lose second balls consistently; it is not good enough to try and miss out [midfield] and play to the strikers.
“It has to be an option but it can’t be the way we play. We will have days like this. It is important to learn the lessons.”
Everton’s failings were underlined by their inability to register a shot on target as their dismal away record continued – they have won only once in 12 games on their travels this season.
Southampton remain 10th in the table while Everton sit 16th, four points above the bottom three.
Southampton appear to be hitting form at the right time to push for a European place or, at worst, a first top-half finish since 2017.
This result, part of an impressive sequence including victory at Tottenham and draws against both Manchester clubs that could have amounted to more, underlined their upward trajectory.
Aside from the opening periods of both halves Southampton were completely dominant.
Jan Bednarek and Tino Livramento drew excellent saves from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during a concerted spell of pressure in the first half, while Kyle Walker-Peters clipped the outside of a post.
That largely continued after the break as Armstrong and Long gave Southampton the reward they richly deserved.
