After last weeks disappointing result versus newcomers Watford, Everton travelled across the country to face Europa League challengers Southampton. It was a fine day for The Toffees at St. Mary’s, Romelu Lukaku scoring twice in the first-half and Ross Barkley scoring a terrific third to give Everton a very comfortable 3-0 victory over Southampton. What did Roberto Martinez change to give Everton such a fine victory? Can the Kone + Lukaku partnership actually work? Lets look at the statistics.
Source: evertonfc.com
First-Half
From the start, Everton looked comfortable and it was an Everton side we hadn’t seen for a long time. The visitors allowed The Saints the chance to pass the ball around without to many problems. Everton sat back for the first 15-20 minutes as Southampton attempted to build something. The hosts used their physicality to their advantage, making 8 crosses in the first 15 minutes of the game. Five shots from Southampton in the first 20 minutes, none of them really troubling Howard in the Everton goal.
Saido Mane was the first to really test Tim Howard, forcing him to make a great save. The ball went out for a Southampton corner, who would’ve though it would leave to an Everton goal. Despite Southampton’s poor organisation of the corner, Everton still had much to do to break forward and counter-attack – they done it perfectly.
Ross was the man to lead the counter with a superb pass into Arouna Kone. Instantly, you can see how dangerous it was.
(Just before Everton’s first goal)
Southampton’s defence was all over the place. If you watch the goal back again, watch Tom Cleverley’s run into the box which outdoes both defenders and gives Romelu space to head the ball into the back of the net. Sublime counter from Everton – less than a minute after Southampton were awarded a corner.
Barkley should’ve made it two after some brilliant work from Romelu Lukaku playing in the midfielder, but the chance was wasted by him and Cleverley with the re-bound. Everton continued to sit deep and wait for another chance to break in numbers, whilst Southampton continued to play the crossing game, which was, to be honest, their only option.
Just before half time, Everton continued to demonstrate how dangerous they were on the counter. Yoshida made a horrifying mistake on the half-way line – giving the ball to Lukaku. Rom then gave the ball to Barkley, creating a 4-on-3 situation with Arouna Kone and Tom Cleverley spriting forward along with Lukaku. Jose Fonte failed to put any pressure on Barkley, which would soon be a poor error as Barkley fed the ball to the Belgian striker who easily fired the ball in the net, beating a poor Stekelenburg.
(Build-up to Romelu Lukaku’s second)
If Fonte would’ve pressed on Barkley, it could’ve stopped the attack and wouldn’t allow the midfielder to feed Lukaku. The gap in Southampton’s back-line wasn’t filled and Lukaku managed to do what he does best.
Second-Half
As expected, Southampton continued to try to set-up Graziano Pelle, although taking off Dusan Tadic wasn’t a wise decision if you want a chance created. The chances from the 45th to the 70th minute were all created from Southampton, but Tim Howard was barely tested from a frustrated Southampton attack.
Roberto Martinez shuffled the team a little, making the midfield much more compact, sticking Cleverley more central alongside Gareth Barry and James McCarthy.
Everton just sat back, McCarthy and Barry were excellent, putting pressure on almost anything that Southampton threw at them whilst John Stones and Phil Jagielka were comfortably clearing the ball out of the area. Brendan Galloway and Seamus Coleman done well to prevent any dangerous crosses coming from the wings as Southampton grew more and more frustrated.
(Everton’s heat map from the 45th to the 70th minute)
The Toffees were so relaxed at the back – but not much was being created upfront.
In the last 20 minutes, however, Everton were dominant again. The visitors managed to fulfill an 89% passing accuracy percentage and created 3 chances in the last period of the game.
Everton managed to cap the game off with a brilliant third goal, beautifully finished from Ross Barkley. Seamus Coleman made a fantastic run towards the box, before playing an awesome 1-2 with Romelu Lukaku. Coleman was in his prime position to create a chance, making a pass to Ross Barkley. Barkley made a great touch to take the defender out of the game before a fantastic curled finish into the goal to make 3-0.
Key Points
1. Could we see more of the Kone + Lukaku partnership?
I certainly hope so. Either Arouna Kone or Romelu Lukaku have been involved in all the goals (that’s scoring or assisting) Everton have scored this season, apart from Barkley’s goal yesterday. They have both had awesome starts to the campaign, both link-up incredibly well. The partnership also helps feel Ross Barkley and gives the wingers something to aim for. Please continue this Roberto Martinez.
2. Southampton missing Schneiderlin?
Definitely. I think Oriol Romeu and Jordy Clasie are both good additions, but Morgan Schneiderlin was the key man in central midfield. He was very solid and helped Southampton keep a lot of clean sheets last season. He is a big loss for them.
3. Has Barkley found his Diamond form?
Starting too. I think the 3rd addition of the Ross Barkley show will be the best one yet. He needed a break after last season, but now he’s finally building his form and the game yesterday was the best Barkley performance for Everton. Lets hope he can keep this up.
Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku was a monster against Southampton. Rom’s two brilliant goals weren’t the only reason why he deserved the man of the match award. He also created one chance; completed four out of five take ons and was dominant in the air is well, winning 60% of his aerial duels (3 out of 5). He was brilliant overall; he is going to have one hell of a season if he continues this form.
Conclusion
Superb performance from Everton after a lot of pressure coming from the supporters. It’s great to see Martinez attempt something new – finally playing two strikers is a big positive. Everton’s defence was brilliant and well compact. After two games, I am feeling rather positive about the new campaign but a tough fixture list is ahead. Back at Goodison next week.
Stats via Squawka.com
Up the Toffees
Joel Parker
Latest posts by Joel Parker (see all)
- Match Analysis and Review: Sunderland 0-3 Everton - September 15, 2016
- Analysing Everton’s Summer Transfer Window - September 5, 2016
- A Koeman Philosophy (Part Two): Predicting an Everton side under Ronald Koeman - August 14, 2016