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Southampton vs Everton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Che Adams of Southampton runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Yerry Mina of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Che Adams of Southampton runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Yerry Mina of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse celebrates (Photo by ANDY RAIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse celebrates (Photo by ANDY RAIN/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton dismantled Everton at St. Mary’s for their second consecutive home clean sheet and their best Premier League start in 6 years.

Ralph Hasenhuttl went with his expected starting eleven, bringing Stuart Armstrong back into the mix after clearing COVID-19 protocols.  Mohammed Salisu is still a week or two away, but it is hard to disturb the present partnership of Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard who are in prime form.  Ibrahima Diallo may challenge Oriol Romeu at some point, but after today’s performance it looks like he will need to earn it.

James Ward-Prowse was phenomenal and his partner Romeu was equally excellent.  The two broke up the majority of Everton attacks with a perfectly timed press. The two centre-midfielders impacted the match so much, they forced Carlo Ancelotti’s hand in changing the team at halftime.

The first goal was a brilliant move off a training pitch throw-in.  Stuart Armstrong and James Ward-Prowse swapped placed as Kyle Walker-Peters put the ball in play.  From there is was a schoolyard one-two with Danny Ings and a strike across Jordan Pickford for the one-nil lead.

Che Adams’ goal, also assisted by Danny Ings, was a lovely chip from the left side.  Adams actually fell down in the build up, but drifted all the way across net where Ings saw Ward-Prowse and Adams waiting.  The strike partnership is improving weekly and by season’s end, the two fit strikers could realistically account for 30 plus goals.

Everton may have not been at their best, but if you watched the first half closely, the Toffees were sharp.  Southampton just outclassed them and put together a full team performance where fitness, energy, and tactics prevailed.  Yes, the Digne red card nullified the final 20 minutes, but the Saints are moving in a direction where they can compete with anyone.

Here are the player ratings for the Southampton side in the 2-0 win over Everton FC.