Toffees grab overdue away win at Saints’ expense

The international break had done nothing to diminish the effects of Everton’s confidence-boosting victory against West Ham, as the visitors quietly controlled the opening stages of the match.

Unsurprisingly for a team that have scored just five goals in their opening seven games, it was in the final-third where The Toffees failed to convert dominance into something more definitive, with Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu only troubled once, when he had to stoop low to deny Conor Coady from close range.

Ralph Hasenhüttl made six changes for this game in a bid to bounce back from consecutive 1-0 defeats, but it only resulted in a disjointed and unorganised first-half performance from his side, who continually lost the midfield battle to the impressive Idrissa Gueye (33).

The HT break proved to be the calm before an incredible 10-minute storm of action that saw three goals and two wasted opportunities. Joe Aribo’s fierce, left-footed low drive gave the home side a lead that lasted just three minutes, as Coady (29) was left unmarked to tap home an equaliser.

Two minutes later and Everton had completed a rapid-fire comeback in a move that came directly from Che Adams (26) missing a one-one up the other end. Frank Lampard’s men broke, and Alex Iwobi’s deep cross found Dwight McNeil (22), who lashed home from a wide angle to open his Everton account.

Things could have got worse for Southampton, who were relieved to see Amadou Onana (21) miss a golden chance, as he steered his header wide from six yards out.

Ralph Hasenhüttl looked to the bench for salvation with a triple substitution, and it was one of those fresh legs who came closest to gaining a point for The Saints.

A promising Southampton move fell kindly to Adam Armstrong inside the box, and his half volley looked destined for the top corner until an inspired reaction stop from Jordan Pickford meant it was two consecutive wins for his team.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Idrissa Gueye (Everton)