Manchester United 3-2 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players
By Erik Franzo
Southampton scored two great goals via Yan Valery and James Ward-Prowse, but it was still not enough to overcome a resilient Manchester United.
Ralph Hasenhuttl selected an unchanged side from their midweek win over Fulham, and the Saints did not disappoint. A nervy opening five minutes was slowed down by a couple of injury scares, enabling Southampton to find their footing in the game.
The opening goal by 20 year old Yan Valery was an absolute rocket past David de Gea. The ball was switched across the field by Charlie Austin, and the French right wing-back took a single touch before unleashing his strike. The 26th minute goal changed the landscape of the game, but no one knew what they were in store for.
Southampton were undone by the 59th minute and yet another two-goal swing. Andreas Pereira and Romelu Lukaku scored quality goals, while the Saints missed out on opportunities to respond.
Stuart Armstrong, who had entered for Charlie Austin, won the free kick leading to James Ward-Prowse’s strike. A pinpoint, top bin beauty, and a fifth goal on the season for the in-form midfielder. The 75th minute equaliser quieted the Old Trafford crowd, but unfortunately not for long.
It was just another heartbreak for the Saints, as Lukaku pounced on a loose ball and scored the would be game winner. The 88th minute strike adds to the Southampton’s league worst record of losing points from leading position.
However, it was not all that bleak, as the Saints showed true grit until the final whistle. Reestablishing hope into their fans during the relegation battle. There were some outstanding performances in the side, and it was difficult to pick just three, but here are our key players from Saturday’s match.