Southampton beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, with Josh Sims starring.
Southampton exerted some revenge on former manager Ronald Koeman on Sunday afternoon as they beat his Everton side 1-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium.
The Saints had lost to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, but they were quick out of the traps as Koeman made his first return to Southampton since leaving the club for Everton over the summer.
Southampton’s Josh Sims in action
The Dutchman barely had enough time to settle in his seat before the Saints took the lead, as youngster Josh Sims – handed a shock start by manager Claude Puel – found Charlie Austin inside the six-yard box after just 41 seconds, and Austin made no mistake.
Whilst both teams had chances to score, Austin’s goal proved to be the winner as Southampton sent Koeman back to Merseyside empty-handed – and it was one of their own who stole the headlines, with Sims starring.
Southampton’s Josh Sims applauds their fans
The 19-year-old winger was brought into the starting line-up with Dusan Tadic out injured and Sofiane Boufal also out of action, and he repaid Puel’s faith by not only bagging the assist for the opener, but also impressing throughout the game before being substituted with six minutes to play.
After the game, Southampton fans took to Twitter to comment on Sims’ performance, with many celebrating just how impressive the teenager was.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Southampton’s Josh Sims
Many of the comments centred around Koeman though, as he regularly ignored Southampton’s famed academy during his time at the club, but Puel has brought the likes of Sam McQueen, Jake Hesketh and now Sims into the side.
Southampton fans suggested that Koeman’s exit has enabled young players to reach the first team again, with some even warning Everton that he won’t develop youngsters at Goodison Park, having somehow been unaware of Sims’ quality during his time in charge of the Saints.
What did you think of Sims’ performance against Everton?
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