Southampton 4-1 Everton: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton and Nikola Vlasic of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

The return of Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg

Hojbjerg, who had made only one six-minute cameo appearance against Brighton, was back in the heart of midfield to face Everton, with the returning Mario Lemina limited to the bench and tough-tackling Oriol Romeu suspended.

Hojbjerg had shown glimpses of his ability at the beginning of last season, but never really made a breakthrough in the first team as his substitute appearances and rare starts left fans underwhelmed.

However, manager Pellegrino turned to Southampton’s ‘forgotten man’ as he made his first start of the season – and fans were eager to see how he would perform.

Hojbjerg ended the game many fan’s Man of the Match, after the Danish international put in a great performance – tackling and passing well, covering every blade of the St. Mary’s pitch.