REPORT – Southampton Handed Everton First Premier League Defeat Of The Season

James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams scored first half goals to lead Southampton to a 2-0 win over 10-man Everton, handing the Toffees their first defeat of the season.

Luca Digne of Everton was shown a questionable red card in the 72nd minute, with the defender clipping the back of Kyle Walker-Peters’ right boot when it seems as though he was trying to avoid making contact.

Sunday’s win saw Southampton climbing up to the fifth place in the Premier League table standings and they sit just outside the top four on goal difference and just three points off leaders Everton.

The defeat for Carlo Ancelotti’s side means that “this is the first English top-flight campaign since 1967-68 in which no sides are unbeaten through the first six matches.”

Midfielder Ward-Prowse broke the deadlock with a fine strike after a nice build and a pass from Danny Ings in the 27th minute.

Ings was the provider again in the 35th minute, finding Che Adams for his second goal in as many games, as Southampton increased the lead.

Everton was a shadow of the heights they set this season so far with Ancelotti’s men managing just two shots on target in the defeat.

The Toffees side missed the chance to reclaim top spot outright, but they remain ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference.

Southampton extended their unbeaten run to four games.