Southampton remain at the bottom of the Premier League after Ollie Watkins’ second-half header earned Aston Villa a narrow win at St Mary’s.
Watkins nodded Douglas Luiz’s outswinging free-kick into the bottom corner with 13 minutes remaining as Villa claimed their fifth victory in seven league games under new manager Unai Emery.
The visitors dominated possession but were fortunate not to fall behind midway through the first half when Chey Adams’ close-range effort was ruled out for offside.
Saints had the ball in the Villa net again just after the hour mark, but James Ward-Prowse’s deflected strike was ruled out by VAR following a foul by Mohamed Alyonoosi.
Watkins’ fifth goal of the season ultimately proved decisive, as Saints’ three-match winning run in all competitions came to an abrupt end.
“I am very happy with his work and how he is helping the team,” Emery said of the former Brentford forward. “If he is scoring goals, I think he can feel better and he can take confidence.
“It’s not just his responsibility to score, it’s also the responsibility of the other players. But I’m very happy with him today.”
Saturday’s game at St Mary’s was suspended five minutes before half-time after a drone was seen hovering over Southampton’s penalty area.
Both teams were sent off the pitch by referee Michael Salisbury before re-emerging 10 minutes later when police gave the all clear.
Villa won after a double let-off.
Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have collected as many points as Villa since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat last October.
The visitors were crisp in possession at St Mary’s but struggled to trouble Southampton properly early on, with Emiliano Buendia and full debutant Alex Moreno both making good saves from Gavin Bazono’s goal inside 20 minutes. What did
They escaped a break when Adams’ first-half goal was disallowed but squandered a great chance to go in front when Ramsey shot straight at Bazono from inside the area, Leon Bailey hitting the crossbar. Sent a follow up.
Bazono almost gifted Villa an opener early in the second half when his misplaced clearance allowed Ramsey to tee up Bailly, but the Saints goalkeeper parried the Jamaican international’s low shot. Atonement for the mistake.
Villa had another narrow escape when Salisbury denied Ward-Prowse’s effort after Ramsey clipped his ankle, but Watkins’ late header secured a third straight league win under their new boss.
They had Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for preserving their narrow lead late on, the 30-year-old heading in Moussa Genipou’s curling shot past the far post before collecting a corner. .
“I think we can do better,” Emery told Match of the Day afterwards. “We are winning some matches but I have more in mind that I want to do.
“A lot of teams are trying to sign players to improve and stay in the Premier League. We have only signed one player [Moreno] at the moment.
“Above all, we are giving our [current] players a chance to show that they have improved with us, then we can add some players to improve the squad and add better balance in each position. can.”
Saints bemoan fate after disallowed goals.
Before the game, manager Nathan Jones said escaping the relegation zone was the “first psychological hurdle” Southampton needed to overcome as they bid to retain their top-flight status this season.
It’s a hurdle they have yet to clear, but they left the pitch in a huff after being denied a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions by two harsh refereeing decisions.
Adams’ disallowed effort was their best chance of a first half in which they managed just one regular effort – a Lianco header after just five minutes.
Jones’ half-time switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 appeared to re-energize his players, with Martinez denying Adam Armstrong before Ward could score a brace that It was believed to be his fifth goal in the league since the World Cup. Only for Ramsey’s challenge to be rebuffed.
Match of the Day about the decision to disallow Ward-Prowse’s try, Jones said: “It was a goal that was gently disallowed. I’m really, really disappointed because I think we deserved something from the game.
“We showed real guts in the set-play [for Watkins’ goal]. The only way we’re conceding is through a counter-attack or a set-play.
“If we keep them out, we have a good side.”
Genepo’s fierce strike almost saved a point late on, but Jones must now find a way to get his players home to high-flying Newcastle for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
