Everton continued their bright start to the Premier League season as they came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Blues striker Nikica Jelavic netted a brace after Leon Osman had cancelled out Gaston Ramirez’s 6th minute opener.
The victory was Everton’s fourth win in six and David Moyes was delighted with his sides performance, commenting that he would have paid to watch the game. It was a fantastic turn around for the Toffees who fought back from a poor start to the game to score three times in thirteen minutes.
Ramirez gave the Saints an early lead after he headed home from an Adam Lallana corner but Osman equalised from eight yards after Kevin Mirallas’ centre fell to him. The Belgian was involved again as he played Jelavic to make it 2-1 in the 32nd minute. And the Croatian made it 3-1 before the break with a header from Seamus Coleman cross.
Tim Howard-5
- Could have dealt with the corner that lead to Ramirez’s goal better but other than that put in a decent performance made a good save to deny Lambert late on.
Seamus Coleman- 8
- A good performance from Irishman who looked strong going forward and defensively. Put in some excellent crosses and did well to set up Jelavic for the third.
Phil Jagielka- 6
- Coped well with the threat of Rickie Lambert.
Johnny Heitinga- 6
- Like his partner it was a fairly comfortable game for the Dutchman. His distribution, at times, let him down.
Leighton Baines- 7
- As usual was a threat going forward and as Everton grew in the ascendancy he got better. Made a costly error for the Saints goal, allowing Ramirez to get away from him for an easy header.
Phil Neville- 6
- Worked hard to nullify the threat of Ramirez. In possession he kept it typically simple with his short passing allowing more attacking threats to influence the game.
Leon Osman- 7
- A strong performance from the midfielder. Used the ball effectively to bring the wide players into the game and grabbed a well taken goal.
Kevin Mirallas- 8.5
- Was a constant threat to the Southampton defence with his pace and trickery. His run and pass to set up Jelavic’s first was particularly impressive.
Marouane Fellaini- 8
- Gave a typical all action performance and was commanding in midfield.
Steven Pienaar- 6
- The winger was not at his brilliant best. He still linked well with Baines but did not cause the Saints defence the problems he could have.
Nikica Jelavic- 8.5
- Man of the match. A great example of centre forward play. Jelavic lead the line well and the Southampton defence failed to deal with him. Got himself two very good and deserved goals.
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