Adam Armstrong’s late winner earned Southampton their first Premier League victory of the season in a dramatic finale at St Mary’s.
Armstrong fired The Saints ahead after 85 minutes just moments after Everton substitute Beto had hit the crossbar.
And the visitors knew their luck was out when Beto thought he’d levelled two minutes from the end only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Everton will feel distraught at the end of their five-game unbeaten run having dominated the second half but for under-fire Southampton manager Russell Martin, the result could be a life-saver with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also making key saves.
Given their predicament at the bottom of the table, the home side were disappointed not to have a shot on target in the first half though Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ missed with a close-range header and Cameron Archer dragged a shot wide when put through by Flynn Downes.
Adam Armstrong earned Southampton their first Premier League victory of the season
The 27-year-old wheeled away in celebration after finding the back of the net late on
Armstrong provided a composed finish to beat Jordan Pickford and seal all three points
But the only work Everton No1 Jordan Pickford had to do was push an Armstrong cross out of danger before anyone could get a tap-in at the far post.
The visitors improved in the second half. Ashley Young, on his 400th Premier League start, set up Orel Mangala whose shot was brilliantly turned over by Ramsdale.
The former Arsenal ‘keeper then turned a Michael Keane shot onto the post and clawed away a free-kick by Jesper Lindstrom heading to the top corner.
Martin tried to change the narrative by sending on 18-year-old prodigy Tyler Dibling and he and Kyle Walker-Peters started to find joy combining down the right.
However, they enjoyed a huge slice of good fortune when Beto diverted James Tarkowski’s cross onto the woodwork and Saints went up the other end to score.
Sugawara’s intelligent low cross found Armstrong on the edge of the box and he rifled in his first Premier League goal of the season.
Even then, Everton rallied again and thought they’d levelled when Beto controlled and flicked a finish past Ramsdale.
It was an incredibly tight offside call. When it went in Southampton’s favour, Everton’s players were left sunk on their knees at the final whistle.
