Share

Everton thump Southampton

Liverpool - Everton striker Nikica Jelavic scored twice to clinch a 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday and maintain his side's impressive start to the season.

David Moyes' team have equalled their best opening to a Premier League season, when they took 13 from six matches in 2004-05, and the Toffees currently sit in second place in the table, just three points behind leaders Chelsea.

Manchester United can overhaul Everton with a win against Tottenham later on Saturday, but the Merseyside club won't be too concerned about that following another dominant display at Goodison Park.

Jelavic was the hero as the Croatian striker scored twice to take his tally to 10 in his last 11 league matches after Leon Osman had cancelled out Gaston Ramirez's early opener.

Everton have made notoriously slow starts to their seasons in the recent past but they have been quickly into their stride this time and the good run continued against the Saints, despite the shock of an early goal for the visitors.

From Adam Lallana's corner, Uruguay forward Ramirez was given the freedom of the penalty area to head home in the sixth minute.

It was the Uruguay international's first goal in English football following his club-record 12 million transfer from Bologna.

But Jay Rodriguez squandered a good chance to increase Southampton's lead and Everton took full advantage with three goals in 13 minutes.

In the 25th minute Kevin Mirallas swung over a right-wing cross and Jelavic diverted it back to Osman, who smashed the loose ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Seven minutes later Osman's through-ball sent Jelavic clear and he smashed a powerful strike across Saints goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and into the net.

Gazzaniga was powerless again when Everton made it three in the 38th minute.

This time Seamus Coleman's cross to the far post found Jelavic and the Croatian's header raced in.

Marouane Fellaini hit the crossbar with a header before half-time, but Everton already had enough of a lead to hand Southampton their fifth defeat in six league matches.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE