Darron Gibson’s latest setback frustrates Roberto Martinez

Everton 1 Southampton 0: Everton finally removed any lingering doubt that they will still be competing in the Premier League next season but the talk afterwards was as much about those not playing as the players who secured a third successive league win for the first time in a year.

Captain Phil Jagielka again led by example and scored the game’s only goal, Tim Howard made two outstanding saves to keep Southampton out and James McCarthy excelled in a more forward midfield role.

But in their absence, the futures of injured duo Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson took centre stage at Goodison Park.