In a tightly contested battle at St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton managed to clinch a 1-0 win over Everton, with Adam Armstrong’s late goal in the 85th minute sealing the three points for the Saints. The match displayed contrasting styles, with Southampton relying on quick, direct play while Everton sought to control possession. The xG stats show that Everton had a slight edge in expected goals (1.3 to Southampton’s 0.8), but Southampton made their one crucial chance count.

Key Stats Breakdown

Shots: Everton outshot Southampton, taking 13 attempts to Southampton’s 9. However, neither side was particularly clinical, with Everton unable to convert any of their chances.
Possession: Despite the final scoreline, Everton had more of the ball, with 63% possession. Southampton was efficient on the counter, making the most of limited opportunities.
Expected Goals (xG): Everton’s xG of 1.3 suggested they had higher-quality chances, yet Southampton’s lower xG of 0.8 proved sufficient thanks to Armstrong’s lone goal.

Momentum Shifts

The match momentum swung throughout, with Everton dominating much of the play, especially in the middle of the game. Southampton, however, found their breakthrough towards the end, capitalizing on one of their few quality chances as the game approached its final stages. Everton’s inability to find the back of the net despite their momentum spells ultimately cost them.

Shots and Goal Analysis

Everton was frustrated in front of goal, with only 5 shots on target out of 13 attempts. They had several attempts from around the box but couldn’t find a way past Southampton’s resilient defense.

Southampton, though creating fewer opportunities, was more effective, with Armstrong’s shot finding the net after just one of two on-target attempts.

Possession Tactics and Pass Maps

Everton’s passing network highlights their emphasis on building play through midfield, with Idrissa Gueye and James Tarkowski heavily involved in recycling possession. Calvert-Lewin was their focal point up front but lacked the finishing touch to capitalize on Everton’s ball progression.

Southampton’s pass map shows a more direct approach, with midfielders Lallana and Downes linking up quickly to feed the front line. They were content to sit deeper, with their backline playing conservatively. This approach paid off as they held firm against Everton’s attacks, eventually sneaking in a late winner.

Southampton’s efficiency trumped Everton’s possession game, as the Saints snatched a late victory. This result showcases the importance of taking chances in tight Premier League encounters, with Everton left to rue their missed opportunities