Rejuvenated Southampton moved up to fifth in the Premier League as Everton’s unbeaten record was ended by a 2-0 defeat on the south coast on Super Sunday.
James Ward-Prowse broke the deadlock with a fine finish from Danny Ings’ pass (27) before Che Adams’ second goal in as many games stretched Southampton’s lead (35).
Everton rarely threatened to reach the heights of their season so far as Lucas Digne saw a straight red card for a challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters (72) to compound a miserable afternoon for the visitors.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side missed the chance to reclaim top spot outright but they remain ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference as Saints extended their unbeaten run to four games.
The visitors, seafoam and charcoal third strip, had the chance to reclaim the outright lead at the summit after the defending champions fought back to beat Sheffield United.
Sunday marked precisely 12 months to the day since Southampton were hammered 9-0 against Leicester at his ground.
Seven of those who started that rain-soaked night were in the starting XI, and the hosts had the first opening when Adams was just unable to connect with Nathan Redmond’s scuffed shot from Ryan Bertrand’s cross after 12 minutes.
Southampton welcomed back Stuart Armstrong, 16 days after he tested positive for Covid-19. The Scot came in for the ineligible Theo Walcott in the one change to the side that drew 3-3 with Chelsea last weekend.
James Rodriguez was fit to start as Carlo Ancelotti made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Liverpool last weekend. Ben Godfrey made his first Premier League start in place of Seamus Coleman. Alex Iwobi replaced the suspended Richarlison while Gylfi Sigurdsson came in for Andre Gomes in midfield.
Everton were seeking to win their first three league away games for the first time in 82 years.
