Southampton 1-0 Everton: Daily Echo player ratings

The pair were outstanding at the back, allowing Adam Armstrong to win the game in the final minutes at St Mary's.

Saints were also dealt a stroke of luck as two VAR decisions went Southampton's way, the first saw Jan Bednarek not sent off before Beto's equaliser was chalked off for offside.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance against the Toffees...

Adam Armstrong fired his Premier League first goal of the season against Everton (Image: Stuart Martin) Aaron Ramsdale - 8.

His best performance in a Southampton shirt so far. Kept his first clean sheet thanks to some crucial saves. Did brilliantly to keep out a point-blank Michael Keane header. Composed on the ball under pressure. Voted man of the match at St Mary's.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 7.

Integral to Southampton's attacking play having started on the right of defence again. Could have played his crosses in with less power. Was caught out on the transition at times. Switched over to the left when Yukinari Sugawara came on.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8.

Another mature performance from the 22 year old. Came close to opening the scoring on two occasions. Combined well with Bednarek to stop an Everton counter after Adam Lallana lost the ball on the halfway line.

Jan Bednarek - 9.

Colossal at the back. Made countless important tackles as Everton broke into the box. Did excellently to stop Beto twice on the counter - the second saw him tactically hack the forward down. Could have seen red when that foul went to VAR but the officials thankfully made the right decision.

Jack Stephens - 6.

Not his best game on the ball but was always an option when rolling into midfield. Conceded possession with a loose pass more than once but his defending helped bail Saints out. Switched to left-back briefly before being replaced by Sugawara.

Ryan Manning - 6.

Got up and down the left wing, providing Saints with width. Slipped in the final third twice, the first occasion was when he stretched for a rebounded Adam Armstrong cross. Made way after 60 minutes.

Southampton v Everton in the Premier League match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin)Flynn Downes - 6.

Did not control the game in the same manner we have come to expect from him. Could have gambled to join the attack more often but did play a brilliant ball through for Cameron Archer to race through on goal.

Adam Lallana - 6.

Similarly to Downes, he struggled to boss the midfield as we would expect. Lost the ball on the halfway line and had to be bailed out. His experience and voice was important when Saints were under pressure. Subbed at halftime due to struggling with a groin problem.

Mateus Fernandes - 8. 

Continues to impress after making the move to Saints this summer. Pushed out wide to help Manning in attack. Did brilliantly to break through but could have passed sooner. Integral in the buildup to Southampton's winner. Such a gem.

Southampton's Mateus Fernandes during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin)Adam Armstrong - 7.

Scored for the second consecutive game. Hugged the right touchline for large portions of the game. Caused problems with his passing before hitting a well-placed first-time shot to win it for Saints late on.

Cameron Archer - 7.

Almost capped off a strong run from the halfway line with a crossbody finish but his effort rolled just past the far corner. A real threat with his pace. Still has room to improve when dropping deep. Can be a different maker this season.

Southampton's Cameron Archer during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin) Substitutes

Joe Aribo - 6.

Came on to replace Adam Lallana at halftime. Had a few difficult moments but delivered a solid performance all around. Headed straight at Jordan Pickford and sliced a shot in the space of 60 seconds. Involved in the winner.

Tyler Dibling - 6.

Entered to cheers from the home fans and immediately looked to run at the Everton defence. Looked rejuvenated for having not started. More of a threat as a result. Saw his fourth yellow card of the season for a pull on Beto - needs to improve his discipline. 

Yukinari Sugawara - 6.

Provided the assist for Armstrong's winner after a shaky start to his substitute cameo. Linked up well with Dibling as always. 

Southampton's Yukinari Sugawara during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin) Lesley Ugochukwu - N/A.

Came on to replace Fernandes in additional time as Saints looked to hold onto their lead after escaping thanks to VAR.

Paul Onuachu - N/A.

Also entered in the final minutes to provide more height up front after Archer had run his race. Saw a yellow for a tactical foul in the dying seconds.