On Sunday, the last remaining Premier League unbeaten record fell, as table-topping Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat at Southampton.
In truth, the Saints were sharper and quicker all over the pitch. They never gave the Toffees talisman James Rodriguez much of a chance to get on the ball. The Colombian, who was a fitness doubt for the game struggled for joy against a very well-drilled Southampton team.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team had the added disappointment of losing French international left-back Lucas Digne in the second half. The former Barcelona ace was dismissed after standing on the ankle of Saints full-back Kyle Walker-Peters.
The Toffees head Carlo Ancelotti has said that the Merseysider’s are likely to appeal against a potential three-game ban, as it was not intentional. The Italian has a point, but it seems unlikely that the red card will be rescinded.
A potential ban gives Everton another first-choice starter out for the next few games. Richarlison still has two more games of his three-match ban to serve after his dismissal against Liverpool. The Toffees were also without captain Seamus Coleman on the south coast, which affected how James played during Sunday’s game.
The potential absentees for this weekend’s trip to Newcastle is a major test for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who a few weeks ago looked to have decent strength-in-depth.
However, now there appear to be holes in certain areas of the Toffees team. The lack of forward cover was always a big concern, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the Toffees only available striker.
When the Merseysider’s attempted to change the game on the south coast Ancelotti had to send on wingers Bernard and Anthony Gordon.
The next few weeks of action will tell us about exactly what Everton can achieve in what is set up to be one of the most unpredictable in the history of the Premier League.