Our roving reporter Dan returns with his verdict on the win over our former manager Ronald Koeman and his Everton team.
Ronald Koeman’s return to St.Mary’s was spoiled as his former employers Southampton were 1-0 victors against his Everton side, thanks to a Charlie Austin goal after just 41 seconds. However, the Dutchman’s return to the south-coast wasn’t the story of the match, it was the performance of 19 year- old winger, Josh Sims who got an assist on his Premier League debut and was awarded Man of the Match.
It took just 41 seconds for Southampton to score the only goal of the game as a Cedric Soares cross reached Josh Sims who managed to chip a pass onto the head of Charlie Austin who couldn’t miss the chance to score his sixth goal in the league this season (ninth in all competitions).
Sims impressed throughout the match and almost scored with a header that was saved by former Saints keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg.
The visitors failed to test Fraser Forster throughout the entire game, however arguably their best chance of the game came when Seamus Coleman cut back from right-back across the penalty area to Idrissa Gueye who blasted high over the bar to the delight of the home support and the frustration of his manager.
Claude Puel’s side started the second half brightly and should’ve doubled their lead through Charlie Austin who was found by a Cedric Soares cross but the Englishman’s header was superbly saved by ex-Saints loanee, Maarten Stekelenburg, a save that makes Saints fans think… "Why didn’t he do that for us?”
A second goal was required for Southampton to go to ninth place in the table and was almost found when Sims, in the heart of the action once again, produced a cross which was cut out by Leighton Baines, before the ball fell to James Ward-Prowse who shot straight at the Dutch keeper. The ball spilled from the hands of Stekelnburg to Charlie Austin, who’s square-ball found Ward-Prowse however, the midfielder was unable to connect correctly with the ball and left his cheeks rosy with embarrassment.
Everton pushed for a late equaliser as Coleman went close in the final minutes. The fullback was picked out by Kevin Mirallas, however his shot was blocked by skipper, Jose Fonte, leaving Koeman with a defeat on his return to St. Mary’s.
My man of the match could’ve gone to the following, Pierre-Emille Hojbjerg, Virgil Van Dijk, Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse or Josh Sims. Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse and Romeu were ever-present in the heart of midfield, winning the majority of the loose balls and giving the Everton players a run for their money. Van Dijk was Van Dijk. Class. He took the job of keeping Lukaku quiet for the full 90 minutes. However, because of a spectacular debut, I’m giving man of the match to 19 year-old Josh Sims for coming into the side with short notice and providing a performance of such high quality.
Next up for Saints is a visit to the Library, I mean the Emirates, for a quarter-final clash in the EFL Cup with Arsenal. A fixture that can be seen with more confidence by the fans after Sunday’s result.