If you’d have come out with this predicted scoreline at half time you’d have been thrown in an asylum somewhere.
It was an abhorrent first half, accompanied by a myriad of exotic moans from the Gwladys. The main source of excitement was counting how many planes flew over Goodison, at least that’s what me and my mate started doing.
Dire.
So, if you’d have said that Everton would come out barnstorming, Enner Valencia would come on and inspire Koeman’s Blues to a 3-0 stomping of his old club, Tom Davies would outshine prime Frank Lampard and Ross Barkley would, finally, run the show… I’d have probably believed you actually. Everton, that’d be.
So, Enner Valencia came on and had the game of his life scoring a well taken, if scrappy, goal while Tom Davies launched passes and Cruyff turned his way past Southampton’s shell-shocked midfield and Ross Barkley finally realised he’s decent at togger.
Decent.
All seriousness, I’m delighted for Enner. He deserved a goal and hopefully now it can kick-start the rest of his time at the club. And if he plays like that, he may find himself a permanent part of the setup at Finch Farm, who knows.
Ratings. And it’s positive.
Joel Robles 6
Made three very good saves throughout the game to ensure he kept that clean sheet. His kicking was indecisive at best, but it never cost us so I’ll let him off.
Séamus Coleman 7
After a muted first half, the Irishman sprung into life with his signature marauding runs down the wing to play his part in what was a great win..
Ashley Williams 7
As well as making a crucial block late on to earn his hard fought clean sheet, Ash put on a great performance all around with his partner Funes Mori. He won key aerial duels and distributed the ball very well.
Ramiro Funes Mori 8
Ramiro was excellent today, proving just why he should be a main stay in this Everton team. He looked assured and confident alongside Ash and Ramiro’s energy in wanting to launch an attack was welcomed. More of the same.
Leighton Baines 8
There’s not one other player I want to see on top form than Leighton Baines. He’s Everton through and through and it shows. When he’s up for it, he can be the key man in us winning these games. He was excellent going forward, which has been absent from his game for a long while.
Idrissa Gueye 7
Solid again today, making amends for what was an uncharacteristically sloppy performance at Hull. We’ll miss him, that’s for sure.
Tom Davies 8
Brilliant today, and giving Koeman something to think about regarding his January transfer plans. He drove with the ball and his symmetry with Ross is not something to be understated.
He was confused ident and cocky on the ball, and wasn’t afraid to run head on at Southampton.
Ross Barkley 8
It’s great seeing scousers perform well, isn’t it. Barkley had a poor first half, but a long lost thought clicked in the second 45 that, hang on, he’s a good footballer. He bossed the game after that, being the link between midfield and attack that we need him to be.
Aaron Lennon 5
Poor today from Aaron who is unfortunately finding himself out of his depth nowadays. Very little to offer going forward.
Romelu Lukaku 8
Dominant.
He was untouchable, defenders were bouncing off of him and his shots always looked threatening. He was unlucky to be denied, but Enner Valencia finished it off for him.
He’s world class, and nothing less.
Dom Calvert-Lewin N/A
Very cruel for the lad as he was brought off injured just 10 minutes into his first Premier League start for the Blues. He looked energetic before it as well, pressing excellently.
On behalf of all Blues I can say that I hope it’s not serious, and get back soon Dom.
Enner Valencia 9
A/N: Normally I’d do a combined slide for subs, but this deserved a special mention.
My God just who have we signed here.
” He’s a panic buy” ” If he’s not good enough for West Ham, why’s he good enough for us?”.
Enner Valencia is on a fast track to doing the unthinkable, shutting the ”Everton Da’s” up. He has been sensational in all of his appearances so far, and today was no different.
When he came on, he instantly changed the game. He scored the first goal with an improvised finish after threatening beforehand, and continued to grow into the game.
Well, until he was murdered in the box to win us a penalty.But after that, he was everywhere on the pitch and he was the source of all good things coming from the Blues.
Absolutely stunning, Enner.
Kevin Mirallas 6
He ran a lot, as per nowadays, but failed to contribute anything of note, as per nowadays.