Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison struck early to secure a 1-0 win over ailing Southampton in the Premier League on Monday and compound the problems for the free-falling visitors who have taken one point from the last 27 available.
Seventh-placed Everton are now level with Liverpool on 43 points with a game in hand and still very much in the hunt for the European places, while Southampton remain in 14th spot, seven points above the relegation zone.
Everton had the better of the few chances as they claimed a first home victory in six games at Goodison Park.
Richarlison provided a neat finish to Gylfi Sigurdsson’s perfect through ball after nine minutes to secure the points after another toothless display from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
"A very good performance, I really appreciated the teamwork of the players. We deserved to win," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
