Southampton 4-1 Everton: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Dusan Tadic of Southampton is tackled by Michael Keane of Everton as Gylfi Sigurdsson of Everton looks on 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 left flank

Dusan Tadic and Ryan Bertrand are both characters who have come under (perhaps justified) critisism in recent weeks, with fans feeling they aren’t contributing enough to the attacking cause – with Manolo Gabbiadini often isolated up front with a lack of service.

However, with ex-QPR striker Charlie Austin getting the nod up front, Tadic and Bertrand seemed inspired and collaborated early on in the game, when Tadic scored the opener. Bertrand slid the Serbian through, and he kept his cool to roll past Jordan Pickford.

Bertrand contributed again when he found himself able to get a cross in on the left-hand side, and he did just that – finding Austin to put The Saints back into the lead.

Tadic marked his second key contribution to the game when he gained a few yards of space to deliver to Austin yet again, who doubled the advantage.

The prominance of the left wing will have been duly noted by Saints fans, who will expect a similar contribution in the several important upcoming fixtures after this ‘new dawn’.