Southampton end Everton’s unbeaten start

Ancelotti slams Friend’s red card decision as ‘ joke’

Everton coach Carlo Ancelotti slammed Kevin Friend’s “joke” decision to sendoff Lucas Digne as the Premier League leaders unbeaten start to the season ended in a 2- 0 defeat against Southampton yesterday.

Everton had gone eight games without defeat in all competitions this term, but they paid the price for a lethargic display at St Mary’s.

Ancelotti’s side fell behind to James Ward- Prowse’s first- half goal and Che Adams doubled their lead before the interval.

Toffees left- back Digne was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Kyle Walker- Peters in the second half despite his claims he tripped when he stood on the Southampton defender’s heel. “The red card was a joke, it was not intentional, for sure it was not violent. Maybe it was a yellow,” Ancelotti said.

“It’s not right, it’s not fair. We will appeal, for sure.”

Lacked quality

Without the suspended Richar lison and injured Seamus Coleman after last weekend’s stormy Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool, Everton lacked the drive and quality that had been the hallmark of their strong start to the campaign.

They remain above the champions and local rivals on goal difference after a result that should serve as a realitycheck.

“We didn’t play well, South ampton were better than us and they deserved to win. It came after a really good run for us, now we have to look forward with the same spirit and belief,” Ancelotti said.

“I told the players winter is coming and we will have to react.”