Whatever else they lack as a Premiership club, it cannot be denied that Southampton have the business of escapology down to a fine art. For the fourth time in six years, their fate had remained undecided as the final day dawned and yet once more they were the ones smiling as others suffered.
It fell to a Latvian, the first from that country to make his way in English football, to ensure their safety yesterday and a 22nd consecutive season in the top flight. Marian Pahars scored both goals to underline David Jones's astute touch in the transfer market.
"We feel like we have won the Premiership title," said a relieved Southampton manager, "that's how much it means to us. They told me up to £40 million was riding on this result. So perhaps it's just as well that I've got broad shoulders." Everton were nice opponents yesterday. Their own safety was guaranteed a week ago and from the first whistle they were struggling to cope with the fierce intensity which underpinned the Southampton approach. Matt Le Tissier raised expectations with a couple of near-misses and after 24 minutes they took the lead to settle all the nerves.
Jason Dodd launched a high ball and James Beattie, a tower of strength both in the air and on the ground, climbed above two defenders to nod it on. It sent Pahars clear, but would his composure hold? To the relief of the red and white striped crowd, the diminutive striker quickly had the ball under control before placing a shot wide of Thomas Myhre.
Southampton went two up after 68 minutes, Pahars diving fulllength to head in Beattie's cross.
Southampton: Jones, Dodd, Benali, Marsden, Monkou, Lundekvam, Le Tissier (Ostenstad 85), M Hughes, Beattie, Pahars (Beresford 80), Kachloul. Subs Not Used: D Hughes, Hiley, Moss. Booked: Le Tissier, Marsden, Pahars. Goals: Pahars 24, 68.
Everton: Myhre, Weir, Short (Bakayoko 62), Watson, Unsworth, Ball, Hutchison, Dacourt, Gemmill (Degn 73), Campbell, Jeffers (Cadamarteri 62). Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Ward. Booked: Hutchison.
Referee: G Barber (Pyrford).
