Everton returned to the top four of the Premier League table for a few hours at least with a 2-1 win over Southampton at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Seamus Coleman gave the hosts the lead after just nine minutes with a fine solo effort that ended with a powerful strike into the top corner.

Southampton equalised with a special goal of their own in the 71st minute, Gaston Ramirez beating Joel Robles with a 30-yard strike.

However, the Toffees were back ahead within three minutes as Romelu Lukaku slammed the ball into the top corner after good work from James McCarthy to find the striker.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at an absorbing match on Merseyside.

Match statistics:

Everton:
Shots 9
On target 4
Possession 45%
Corners 2
Fouls 9

Southampton:
Shots 12
On target 2
Possession 55%
Corners 3
Fouls 14

Was the result fair?

A draw would have been the fairest result in this match. Both teams played some great stuff throughout the game and it was a shame that there had to be a loser as it was a fine spectacle. The Toffees were unable to dominate possession as they usually do at Goodison Park but, despite seeing less of the ball, they created better chances than Southampton. It was a really even game from start to finish as both sides worked tremendously hard both on and off the ball. Southampton will feel aggrieved at having lost the game as they were at least a match for their opponents today.

Everton's performance

They won't be used to chasing the ball that much in front of their own fans, but Everton still put in a good display and showcased exactly why they are the stingiest defence in the league this season. It was important for them to win today following their shock defeat to Sunderland on Boxing Day, and they played in a manner that suggested they knew that. They weren't allowed to have their own way yet still found a way to pick up all three points, which will be just as pleasing to manager Roberto Martinez as a 5-0 win would have been.

Southampton's performance

Very impressive. It is not often teams go to Goodison Park and come away with more possession than Everton, and that is exactly what Southampton did this afternoon. They matched their opponents from start to finish and were unfortunate to come away with nothing to show for their considerable efforts. One criticism could be that they didn't create as many chances as they should have considering their possession, but that is more down to a good defensive display from Everton than it is Southampton failing to play well. The defeat will hurt manager Mauricio Pochettino, but he will have no shortage of positives to take from the game.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Ross Barkley: The young midfielder is enhancing his reputation with every match he plays at the moment and he did it again today. He was strong in the middle of the park and looked to stride forward at every available opportunity. Southampton couldn't deal with his runs from midfield at times, often just resorting to clear fouls to stop him in his tracks. Adam Lallana also deserves a mention for a good display, and both men could well be on the plane to Brazil next summer if they keep it up.

Biggest gaffe

This one has to go to Joel Robles, who should have done a lot better with Gaston Ramirez's goal. True, it was a thunderous strike from the Southampton man and it was swinging and swerving in the air, but the Everton keeper simply had to palm it up and over the bar. It seemed to go through him, and you would have to think that Tim Howard would have saved it. Take nothing away from the strike, but Robles shouldn't be getting beaten from that range.

Referee performance

Plenty of eyes would have been on Mark Clattenburg this afternoon as he made his return to Merseyside for the first time in six years. He will be as happy as anyone that the match went relatively smoothly, with most of the emphasis on playing good football rather than preventing the other side from doing so. There were a couple of penalty shouts but, overall, he got the vast majority of his decisions right today.

What next?

Everton: The Toffees start the new year with an away match against Stoke City on Wednesday.

Southampton: Southampton, meanwhile, host Chelsea on Wednesday as they look to begin 2014 in style.