Southampton 2 Everton 0: Sticky Toffees Treat Saints

Article by e-Southampton Correspondent Samuel Wilkes

Saints equalled their best Premier League points tally with a 2-0 win against a charitable Everton team.

An own goal from Antolin Alcaraz after 54 seconds was compounded by another from Seamus Coleman in a game that the visitors never looked like winning.

Mauricio Pochettino gave a second league start to 18-year old Sam Gallagher in the only change from the stagnant draw at Aston Villa last week.

From Everton’s kick off, the ball was given away and Alcaraz, in for the injured Sylvain Distin, diverted the ball into his own net from Rickie Lambert’s cross. Steven Davis should have made it two after more good work from Lambert before Coleman got his name on wrong side of the score sheet, heading past Tim Howard after a good cross from man of the match Nathaniel Clyne to complete a miserable first half for the travelling fans.

England hopeful Adam Lallana had a largely uneventful game while potential rival for a spot in Hodgson’s team Ross Barkley was substituted at halftime and his replacement Leon Osman was booked for diving, taking a tumble over Dejan Lovren’s leg during the second half.

Romelu Lukaku, who terrorised Saints for West Brom last year, had Everton’s best chances to get back into the game but missed his cues. Lambert came closest to adding to the goals, hitting the outside of the post with a freekick.

The result means Saints have two games left to collect their most points in a Premier League campaign. Everton now look unlikely to grab the last Champion’s League spot and will have to settle for the Europa League if they can hold off Spurs.

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