Premier League wrap: Southampton and James Ward-Prowse leave Everton reeling

Everton's board of directors were ordered to stay away from Goodison Park due to perceived security risks but what they missed was their relegation-threatened team plunging into further trouble after a 2-1 defeat to bottom side Southampton.

In an unprecedented move the executives did not attend after offensive messages - including death threats to chairman Bill Kenwright - were made to specific individuals during the week by angry fans.

Club officials called it a "profoundly sad day" but things were not much better on the pitch as Everton squandered a lead given to them by Amadou Onana's first goal for the Toffees.

James Ward-Prowse scored twice as Saints moved level on points with their hosts, who are only kept off the bottom of the table by goal difference after just one win in 11 league matches and have their lowest tally (15) at the halfway stage of a Premier League campaign.

It added extra numbers to the previously-planned sit-in protest after the final whistle by fans angry at the way they perceive those executives have run the club.

By then Southampton's players, who had enjoyed a morale-boosting midweek Carabao Cup win over Manchester City, had long departed with new manager Nathan Jones celebrating his first league win after four successive defeats.

Onana was the host's best player and he got his rewards after a fairly nondescript opening 39 minutes by beating Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu with a downward header from Demarai Gray's right-wing corner.

Everton have been guilty of not pressing home their advantage on the rare occasions they have had one this season and, moments later, Alex Iwobi cut in from the left and curled a shot wide of the far post. It was no surprise when their bubble was burst early