Everton moved into the top four of the Premier League as Romelu Lukaku’s first goal in six games sealed victory over Southampton.
Seamus Coleman gave Everton the lead with a fine strike into the top corner.
Saints substitute Gaston Ramirez levelled with a shot from range that Toffees keeper Joel Robles misjudged.
But just three minutes later Everton were back in front, with Lukaku converting James McCarthy’s incisive 74th minute pass to seal victory.
The result means the Merseyside outfit leapfrog neighbours Liverpool – who lost to Chelsea in Sunday’s later kick-off.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez:
“It was a completely different test to the one we had on Boxing Day. Southampton are a very god side and we knew that and we had to be perfect in our performance and the two goals were of outstanding quality.
“To see the way we got the winning goal was very satisfying and the nature of the victory was also pleasing considering the players we had out.
“We defended well and had real concentration which we needed against Southampton
“There was nothing Joel Robles could do (about the goal). The swerve in that ball from Gaston Ramirez he made it impossible for him.
“I couldn’t be happier. We need the squad to be stretched and we looked like a solid unit.”
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino:
“I thought it was a great game, both teams played positive football, it’s a shame we did not get a positive result but that is football.
“We did have great chances it’s shame we did not take the lead and a shame we leave with nothing.
“We are aware Everton are a side who play attacking football so from that point of view I enjoyed it, but I also suffered it as we did not get anything from the game.
“We are happy with how the team is progressing. We fully believe in the academy players and that is the project at Southampton. We just need to give them time to adapt.”
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂
