Interesting match nonetheless.
Saints had solid passing structure and movement, manufacturing three goals while defending well in numbers;
a bit like Everton could be, when in rare form, pre Carlo.
But Everton have learnt/are learning to play differently.
The difference has been we've had players who are getting on the ball and winning the individual battles, ball at feet - Coleman, Digne, Alan, Richarlison and James. The spread of these players makes for a well balanced team where structure and creativity come together.
Keane has players he can send passes to with confidence, knowing it won't break down all the time, and in DCL, the man to get on the end of it all.
Its a style and spirit of play that requires and inspires confidence.
Yesterday, the foundations went to mush, and the team is not developed enough yet to sort this out.
What happens when you take out Richarlison and Coleman, high left and low right.
Well they got to feel that, and with Carlo's guidance, that's not such a bad thing.
Its no coincidence that Digne gets sent off, James legs go, Alan get completely isolated on the ball and devoid of options, while DCL gets isolated altogether.
A telling moment was coming out the second half, Godfrey goes for it, nearly skins but gets hacked down. The fine margins couldn't be overcome.
Question whether Kenny can make a difference when his is back.
And whether Neils can also, if for nothing else than to sure up the work that Richarlison does in transition and defence.
But with Digne out and Neils back, the imbalance of the team continues. It doesn't seems there is anyone else that can come close to being able to do what Richarlison does.
It'll be interesting to see how the team responds and what Carlo has in mind.