Carlo Ancelotti fumes over 'joke' red card as Southampton end Everton's unbeaten start - in pictures

Everton boss rages after Lucas Digne is sent off and promises appeal

James Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring the opening goal. AFP

Southampton's Che Adams, left and Nathan Redmond celebrate after James Ward-Prowse scored his side's opening goal against Everton. AP

Southampton midfielder Che Adams celebrates after scoring his team's second goal. AFP

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuettl celebrates with captain James Ward-Prowse. EPA

Kyle Walker-Peters is fouled by Lucas Digne in the challenge that brought a red card. EPA

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti (L) and his Southampton counterpart Ralph Hasenhuettl. EPA

Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton is fouled by Lucas Digne of Everton. EPA

Referee Kevin Friend shows the red card to Lucas. EPA

Everton's Lucas Digne, centre right, is shown a red card by the referee. AP

Everton coach Carlo Ancelotti criticised referee Kevin Friend's "joke" decision to send off Lucas Digne as the Premier League leaders' unbeaten start to the season ended in a 2-0 defeat against Southampton.

Everton had gone eight games without defeat in all competitions this term, but they paid the price for a lethargic display at St Mary's.

Ancelotti's side fell behind to James Ward-Prowse's first-half goal and Che Adams doubled the lead before the interval.

Left-back Digne was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters in the second half despite his claims he tripped when he stood on the Southampton defender's heel.

"The red card was a joke, it was not intentional, for sure it was not violent. Maybe it was a yellow," Ancelotti said.

"It's not right, it's not fair. We will appeal, for sure."

Without the suspended Richarlison and injured Seamus Coleman after last weekend's stormy Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool, Everton lacked the drive and quality that had been the hallmark of their strong start to the campaign.

They remain above the champions and their local rivals on goal difference but Ancelotti admitted: "We didn't play well, Southampton were better than us and they deserved to win. I told the players winter is coming and we will have to react."

Southampton have only lost twice in 13 league matches and climbed within three points of first place.