It seems difficult to see where Everton go after a result like this other than the Championship after lightning struck twice at Goodison Park in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton, a game that was surely a ‘must-win’ for Frank Lampard’s side.
For the second time in three home matches since Premier League action resumed after the World Cup break, the Blues were hosting an opponent who came into the fixture propping up the table.
But just as they had done against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, they surrendered a lead to be beaten.
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Everton’s under-fire board members had been advised not to attend on safety grounds but having given their team a rousing pre-match welcome when their coach arrived on Goodison Road, the flags and banners on display before kick-off that had been produced for after the final whistle, were put away to focus on unequivocal support for the home players.
An understandably nervous atmosphere among the Everton faithful received a welcome boost six minutes before half-time when Amadou Onana headed in his first goal for the club when meeting Demarai Gray’s corner kick but the joy was short-lived.
Within second of the restart, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse was given time and space in the Everton penalty area to dance around Ben Godfrey and coolly equalise and with 12 minutes to go he despatched a perfectly-placed 25-yard free-kick after substitute Anthony Gordon had recklessly fouled Che Adams.
The Blues are halfway through the Premier League season.
But at the moment they look a team which is doomed.
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