Everton 2-1 Southampton 18/08/18: Three Key Takeaways

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton puts pressure on Cenk Tosun of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on August 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Stephens and Hoedt shaky – Vestergaard missed badly

Ahead of the match, it was announced that Jannik Vestergaard had been suffering with illness in the previous week and that he would not be risked in this high-intensity clash.

Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt would therefore make up the two-man Central-Defence as Mark Hughes lined his team up in a 4-4-2.

Both looked shaky though and were easily pulled out of position by the movement of the Everton attack. They would also complete just 44% and 57% of their passes throughout the 90 (according to whoscored.com).

It is imperative that the towering presence of Vestergaard returns to the side to face Leicester next weekend, and it may be the Maya Yoshida partners him after some impressive displays at the end of last season.

After one point from the opening two games, three favourable matches remain before a meeting with Liverpool and solidity in defence will only help to get more points on the board