The Saints could have ended it all today against Everton and were on course to do so. They were leading by a goal for the majority of the match and it seemed like they would be safe from the drop after tonight. Instead, as fate would have it, Tom Davies of Everton scored a 96th-minute equalizer, that too a deflected strike.
Davies’ strike means that Southampton have failed to collect the necessary three points to avoid the drop. They are still in the safety zone courtesy of their goal difference but Tuesday’s clash against Swansea City has now become a virtual playoff. The Swans are one position below the Saints and level on points having played the same number of games.
Today’s match, however, was a happy outing for the Everton fans and Tom Davies, whose late strike can send Southampton into the relegation. Everton themselves have nothing much to fight for with a finish in the top half looking set. They are set to miss out on Europe however and have nothing much to play for in their last game of the season.
They put out a half-hearted side today and will be happy to have snatched a point from a desperate Southampton side. Here are the player ratings of the Everton players.
Jordan Pickford 8
Exceptionally bright in front of goal but had little chance to save the one he conceded.
Seamus Coleman 6.5
A high energy performance but lacking in the final ball today.
Phil Jagielka 5
Was out of pace and failed to collaborate with the tempo of the game throughout.
Michael Keane 4.5
Given a terrible time by Southampton attackers, Nathan Redmon in particular.
Leighton Baines 5.5
A wing back role might have been ideal for him a few years back but he was not suited tonight to play at that positon; his age has slowed him down.
Morgan Schneiderlin 6
He was good in filtering and processing possession but could not produce anything sharp.
Idrissa Gueye 5
He was slow and not up to his usual standards today. Went missing from the game on many occasions.
Tom Davies 6.5
The player is young, energetic and exciting. Needs to be more mature in possession; scored the goal that mattered.
Yannick Bolasie 4
He was an absolute flop today; taken off at half-time.
Nikola Vlasic 5
Another player who failed to get going and was taken off.
Cenk Tosun 5
The man is a hardworking striker but needs more service from the players behind him.
Substitutions
Ramiro Funes Mori 5
Added to shore up the defence but looked off the pace.
Oumar Niasse 6.5
A striker who could make things happen and looked threatening on the ball
Davy Klaassen N/A
