James Ward-Prowse scored a superb free-kick as Southampton came from behind to pile up the pressure on Frank Lampard and Everton.
A disappointing season has seen the Toffees struggle at the wrong end of the table once again, and anger among fans was evident as banners were displayed at Goodison Park in protest against the club’s owners.
In fact, the club was concerned enough for the safety of its board members that they were asked to stay away from the ground.
The fans, though, were clearly behind their players, welcoming them to the ground with an incredible display of blue flares and enthusiastic chants.
That support was rewarded just before half-time when, after a half of low quality from both sides, Everton took the lead when Amadou Onana headed home Demarai Gray’s superb cross.
But Southampton, who shocked Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, turned it around in the second half thanks to Ward-Prowse.
He slotted in the equalizer after great footwork inside the box and, after Everton’s Dominic Calvert hit the crossbar, Ward-Prowse sealed a huge three-pointer for the Saints with a free-kick which Jordan Pickford converted. were trapped.
Southampton are bottom of the table but level with Everton and West Ham on 15 points and just one point from safety.
Fans express discontent, but what about Lampard now?
Just nine months ago there was a party atmosphere at Goodison Park as they celebrated their Premier League survival with a thrilling 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Lampard was the hero that day after guiding the club to safety but is now fast forward and the pressure is mounting on the Everton boss after a terrible run of form.
Earlier this week, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri said he had confidence in Lampard and the club’s directors amid unrest among some supporters.
The team has managed just one win in their last 13 games in all competitions. A win would have taken the pressure off significantly as they could have jumped up to 14th, but as it stands they are in trouble near the foot of the table.
The players clearly cared and showed fight and determination, especially in the first half, and they had chances to get a second themselves, notably through Alex Iwobi and Calvert-Lewin.
But as the game wore on it disappointed and showed a lack of quality. After full-time a number of supporters staged a sit-in in protest as they once again expressed their frustration at the board.
Saints on the up
A week ago, Southampton’s situation looked more dire than Everton’s. They had fallen to the bottom of the table and had not experienced a new manager bounce back under Nathan Jones.
But it’s been a huge few days for the club as they secured a win against Manchester City to secure a win that gives them real hope of climbing out of the relegation zone.
Brazilian defender Lianco was key in the win against City and was solid again in this game to frustrate Everton and while he hasn’t shown quality himself, Ward-Prowse is a lethal set-piece taker. Any match is winnable. As it proved at Goodison Park.
