Everton extended their winless Premier League run to six matches with a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton this afternoon.
© AFP
After 17 minutes of timid play from both sides, Everton had the first real opening when Gerard Deulofeu cut back for Kevin Mirallas, whose first-time shot was blocked by Jose Fonte.
The Saints then began to take control, but they lost captain Fonte to an injury in the 37th minute.
© Getty Images
Shortly after the change, Southampton went close for the first time when Sadio Mane shot into the side-netting and then, just before half time, Shane Long hit the post with a header from Ryan Bertrand's corner.
Five minutes into the second half the Everton woodwork was rattling again as Dusan Tadic saw his deflected shot ping back off the crossbar.
© Getty Images
Midway through the second period it was Everton who snuck in front as Ramiro Funes Mori shot through a pile of bodies and had his effort deflected past Fraser Forster into the net.
Southampton equalised less than 10 minutes later and it was poor defending from an Everton point of view as Tadic managed to bundle the ball through three challenges and Mane pounced on the loose ball to roll under Joel Robles.
Chances were few and far between in the closing stages as both sides settled for a point. Southampton stay seventh, while Everton, now six without a win in the league, are 11th and next go to Anfield for the Merseyside derby on Wednesday before next Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Manchester United.
Pascal Lemesre
