George Overhill

Sat 1 October 2022 16:53, UK

Everton battled to a scrappy 2-1 win against Southampton for just their second victory of the season, as they came from behind with two quick second half goals.

The Toffees were well on top for the majority of the first-half but a lack of cutting edge saw numerous promising attacks come to nothing, before the home side belatedly woke up and threatened before the break.

The game exploded to life after half-time, as Southampton took the lead through Joe Aribo before Everton hit back immediately with first goals for the club from Conor Coady and Dwight McNeil, and held out for the win.

Here Goodison News rates the Everton players out of 10 for their performances at St. Mary’s.

Jordan Pickford – 7

Spectator early but became increasingly crucial as the game went on. Wound the home fans up by taking his time on restarts. Produced a fantastic save from Adam Armstrong as the home side went in search of a late leveller. More and more involved late on as he held the home side at bay.

Seamus Coleman – 6

Not bad in his first Premier League action this year. Was assured in defence for the most part and joined in attacks down the right earlier on but dropped deeper and deeper late on as energy depleted. Absence of Patterson wasn’t felt too keenly but he allowed too much space to the Saints attackers for the opener, and continued to do so. thereafter. Worked in his favour when he headed away a dangerous James Ward-Prowse free kick.

James Tarkowski – 7

Up and down performance but ultimately vital. Nearly played Pickford into trouble early but was crucial to building play with numerous long cross-field balls to the wings. Gave the ball away in midfield just after Coady’s leveller to gift Che Adams and opportunity but got back to make some key blocks, adding to important defensive work on a few other occasions.

Conor Coady – 8

Finally got his first goal for the club when he equalised with a lovely first-time finish, having had his strike against Liverpool chalked off. Had almost got on the scoresheet after 20 minutes but couldn’t direct Gray’s cross in. Decent in defence again even if he could have closed down space better a few times.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 7

Decent display as has become customary for the Ukrainian, with more of the Southampton attacks coming through other areas.

Idrissa Gueye – 7

Sharp and energetic throughout. Played a vital role in patrolling the midfield and breaking up attacks, while setting teammates on the counter. Made an error to give away possession leading to Aribo’s goal but didn’t detract from a strong showing overall. Game got scruffier in the closing stages and picked up a soft booking.

Amadou Onana – (off for Davies ’74) – 6

Not his best game for Everton. Big presence in the opposition box but lacked composure in the midfield. Nearly got on the end of an Iwobi cross straight after kick-off but did rise highest to nod a free-kick down for Coady’s leveller to register an important assist. Should have added one himself soon after but headed badly wide.

Alex Iwobi – 6

Sharp start saw him put a wonderful cross in that nearly led to an opener inside two minutes. Characteristically central to most of the moves in the first half but faded after the break.

Dwight McNeil – (off for Gordon ’74) – 7

Smashed his first goal in the Premier League for 56 games to give his side the lead. Had been lacking in end product in the first half but rectified that resoundingly with a wonderful finish which should give him some confidence. Still gave the ball away too often but it was a big step to score a great goal.

Demarai Gray – (off for Doucouré ’91) – 8 – Man of the Match

Central to everything. Threatening all game but frustrated with an inability to put the finish touches on attacks. Heavily involved throughout the first half. Wasn’t far off with a good free kick, nearly assisted a Coady goal with a great cross from the right, before a dangerous run in off the left saw him go close himself. Still looked dangerous in the second half, but as with everyone he should have made more of his dominance and would have been the clear stand-out if he had.

Neal Maupay – (off for Rondon ’88) – 5

Wasn’t afforded many clear opportunities and struggled to make his mark on the game. Did chase and harry well after the half to irritate the Southampton defenders.

SUBSTITUTES

Anthony Gordon – (on for McNeil ’74) – 6

Tom Davies – (on for Onana ’74) – 6

Salomon Rondon – (on for Maupay ’88) N/A

Abdoulaye Doucouré – (on for Gray ’91) N/A