Southampton 1-2 Leicester City: Maguire strike sinks Saints at death
By Erik Franzo
Southampton dropped three points from a winning position courtesy of a Harry Maguire stoppage-time strike from distance.
Mark Hughes elected to go with four changes from a week ago and a more positive 4-4-2 formation. Mohamed Elyounoussi and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg drew their first starts and Jan Vestergaard returned from last week’s absence due to illness. The other change saw Shane Long swapping in for Charlie Austin.
Southampton started very brightly over the opening 20 minutes, playing arguably their best home football since the Ronald Koeman era. However, it was more of the same in the final third, as only two shots found the target, and none the back of the net.
Nathan Redmond picked up a knock in pre-game warmups, but was in the starting eleven and the most electric player on the pitch. Southampton exploited a weak Leicester left-flank and was on the front foot for most of the half.
Elyounoussi and Danny Ings would each put a shot on frame, but neither would truly test Kasper Schmeichel. Leicester were very quiet going forward, but put up a stout defence led by Harry Maguire who would later be deemed Man of the Match.
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The second half started again with the Saints pressing the Foxes. Their reward came in the 52nd minute as Hojbjerg’s cross fell in front of Ryan Bertrand who hammered home a first-time strike from 20 yards.
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The excitement at St. Mary’s was short-lived as just four minutes later, Leicester would equalize through Demarai Gray. A poorly headed clearance by Cedric, impeded by teammate Elyounoussi, fell in front of the Foxes’ winger to turn the game entirely.
Undoubtedly, memories of a season past flooded into the south coast stadium, which suddenly saw Leicester take control of the game.
Chances continued on both ends until Hojbjerg intercepted a pass 30 yards out from Leicester’s goal. He did well to stay on his feet through an initial challenge, but tried to win a penalty on a second, and was correctly given a second yellow card for simulation. The Danish midfielder will likely feel the brunt of criticism for his actions, which left his team with ten men and 23 minutes left to play.
Leicester did not seize control of the game, and Southampton won a few set pieces late to give themselves a chance. However, Maguire emerged the hero as he was able to venture forward in stoppage time against ten-man Saints.
Surprisingly, Maguire cut it from the left side and fired a shot low and hard which Alex McCarthy never saw. There was a slight deflection from Vestergaard, but the shot was always on target and instantly sent Saints supporters rushing for the exits.
The script on Saturday was far too familiar from a season ago, and it will be hard to remember the positive first half. However, a quick turn around, via a trip to Brighton on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup gives Southampton the ability to forget the home heartbreak and get away from St. Mary’s where they are continuing to struggle for success.