Before the match, Everton was sitting in the 13th position, just ahead of Southampton who was 14th on goal difference. Both sides were looking to move into the top ten, starting from their match.
Alex Iwobi has been in fine form under Frank Lampard this season, helping out with Everton’s midfield and coordinating play on the field.
Southampton has lost each of their last two Premier League games, without scoring in either. And their match with Everton seemed to be going in that direction, as the midfield trio of their opposition, Onana, Gueye, and Iwobi controlled the game in the first half.
A few minutes into the second half there seemed to be a turn of events, as Joe Aribo put Southampton 1-0 ahead. Gueye loses the ball cheaply and Larios carries it forward before finding Adams out on the left side. He then feeds Aribo, who finishes neatly past Pickford.
Three minutes later, Coady leveled the game, when Gray delivered a fine set-piece to find Onana at the back post, who headed the ball back across goal to find Coady. The Englishman finished smartly to get the away side back on level terms almost immediately after conceding.
In quick succession, the visitors took the lead from a counterattack, when Iwobi played a speculative ball to the back post that ended up at McNeil’s feet – and the Englishman delivers a confident finish to make it 2-1.
Everton are now 11th in the table as they defended their lead to the end, earning all important three points at St. Mary’s.
Southampton travel to Manchester City next, on Saturday afternoon. Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park the following evening.
