Midfielders
Oriol Romeu, Centre-Midfielder – 6
Incredibly effective first half sweeping behind the front 4. Only a couple crunching tackles, but added little to the passing game other than maintaining possession. Was a part of the late substitutions and we should wonder if he is ready for 90 minutes this season.
James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 6
His legs appeared heavy in the first half, but he was so timely in his tackling he hardly put a foot wrong. Set pieces were lackluster to start, putting just one on Armstrong’s head, but they improved as the match wore on. Saved a goal with a late challenge on Kean and affected the game with his leadership, but not enough to help a team who cannot figure out how to hold leads.
Theo Walcott, Attacking-Midfielder – 4
Did not make a first half impact. Picked up the ball in good spaces, but left it to Livramento to attack. A half-hearted volley and a few attempts to drive forward were not at his best. Every time he picked up pace running at defenders, he pulled up before taking a real risk. Redmond looked more effective in his short stint.
Moussa Djenepo, Attacking-Midfielder – 6
When he gets running with the ball he is so dangerous. Everton defenders were routinely stepping around him in fear of bringing him down in the box. He was a final touch away from setting up Che Adams and a bit of composure away from a goal himself. Sitting Coleman down was a highlight, but all those step overs closed the gaps for his strikers by the time he hit the touchline. Djenepo is the most unpredictable player on Southampton and he stuck to that label today.