Ollie Watkins’ second-half header sealed back-to-back wins beneath Unai Emery for the primary time as they secured a 1-0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Hopes may need been excessive amongst residence followers of breaking out of the relegation zone after their workforce’s decisive victory over fellow strugglers Everton final weekend, however the hosts managed only one shot throughout a tepid first half.
A nine-minute delay as a result of a drone flying over the pitch simply earlier than half-time was arguably probably the most entertaining factor to occur throughout the first 45 minutes, however issues lastly appeared to select up when James Ward-Prowse’s shot was deflected. Emiliano Martinez places Southampton forward on the hour mark.
Nevertheless, referee Michael Salisbury disallowed the aim for a easy foul on Jacob Ramsey by Mohamed Elyounoussi after the VAR suggested him to evaluate the incident, and Villa rubbed salt into the Saints’ wounds when Watkins nodded in to Douglas Luiz’s free-kick within the 77th minute. respectively within the English Premier League.
The Saints’ momentum ended with Villa and Farr
Ollie Watkins celebrates after placing Aston Villa forward at Southampton
Nathan Jones had lastly stepped up and coached Southampton within the two weeks earlier than the Villa go to after overseeing three successive wins in three completely different competitions, however that momentum pale throughout a irritating afternoon towards Emery’s aspect.
The guests had greater than 70 per cent possession throughout a dominant first half, however went into the second half goalless due to some wasted ending, with Ramsey firing straight at Gavin Bazuno when he got here face-to-face with the Saints goalkeeper, earlier than Leon Bailey chipped away. bounce over the bar.
Ramsey was then unlucky sufficient to attain a penalty after being stopped from behind by Mohamed Salisu, whereas the attacking Saints’ solely risk prevented Kyle Walker-Peters from being offside after he slotted the ball into the web.
A drone flew over the pitch after which noticed the gamers return to the dressing rooms, however Villa stayed within the lead as soon as they returned, with Pele losing once more, firing nicely at Bazuno after the goalkeeper gifted the ball to the guests.
Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the match as a result of a drone flying over the sphere
However Southampton thought that they had moved up towards the run of play when Ward-Prowse scored for the fifth time of their final 5 league video games, solely to have the captain’s celebrations reduce brief when the referee suggested Salisbury to take one other take a look at the build-up. -above.
The official noticed a push in Ramsey’s again by Elyounoussi – and issues went from dangerous to worse for Jones and his aspect when he left Watkins unmarked in the course of the world to drive in a direct free-kick from Luiz to proceed Villa’s tremendous type beneath Emery.
Villa Emery win with or with out the ball
Having received 5 of his first seven Premier League matches, it is honest to say that Emery has made a really spectacular begin to life at Villa.
the Win at residence towards Manchester United In his first match as referee and At Tottenham on New Yr’s Day Stand out, however the former Villarreal boss might get extra encouragement from Villa’s earlier two outcomes.
after being Held at Villa Park by Wolves Therefore A. suffers Surprising residence defeat to Stevenage within the federation cup, Emery stated Sky Sports activities He needed his workforce to “get higher with the ball” towards sides who had been glad to concede possession.
Leeds – antagonists through final friday – and Southampton He did simply that, however Villa discovered a option to get probably the most factors out of each matches.
Emery can now declare to have a workforce that may win video games after they spend greater than half the sport out of possession – like towards Manchester United and Tottenham – and after they need to take the lead, like St Mary’s.
They could nonetheless be eleventh within the Premier League, however Emery’s aspect are actually simply 5 factors behind fifth-placed Tottenham. The sky is the restrict throughout the second half of the season.
Opta Stats: The Saints continues the depressing residence type
Nathan Jones has misplaced all three of his Premier League matches for Southampton
- Aston Villa have received three consecutive away matches within the Premier League for the primary time since November 2020. They’ve received simply three of their earlier 15 matches on the street.
- Southampton misplaced 4 consecutive matches at residence within the English Premier League for the primary time since November 2019, whereas the Saints scored fewer factors (6) at residence than some other workforce within the first 4 ranges of the English Premier League this season.
- Aston Villa received three consecutive Premier League matches towards Southampton for the primary time in April 1999.
- That is the final in a season (20 matches) Southampton completed a day backside of the Premier League desk because the final day of the 2004-05 season, after they suffered their solely relegation from the competitors thus far.
- Ollie Watkins has been concerned in 40 Premier League objectives for Aston Villa, scoring 29 objectives and aiding 11.
What’s Subsequent?
Southampton Flip their consideration away from the Premier League with a trio of cup matches to cope with. saints host Newcastle Tuesday within the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, stay on Sky Sports activities – 8pm.
Tuesday, January 24, 7:00 PM
It begins at 8:00 pm
Southampton then hosts the Championship workforce Blackpool Within the fourth spherical of the FA Cup subsequent Saturday – beginning at 3 pm – earlier than the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, January 31, broadcast stay on Sky Sports activities. The beginning of the match is 8 pm.
Their subsequent Premier League match will probably be at 3pm ET Brentford On Saturday, February 4th.
Aston VillaTheir exit within the third spherical of the FA Cup means they are going to have the subsequent weekend. Their subsequent Premier League match is the Midlands derby at residence lester On Saturday, February 4 – 3 p.m.