Southampton 2-3 Wolves: Premier League - Three Key Saints Players

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

With the familiarity of an old friend popping round for afternoon tea, Southampton’s defensive frailties reared their unwelcome head once more as they contrived to throw away a comfortable two goal lead at St Mary’s.

Their worthy opponents, Wolverhampton Wanderers, were as outstanding in the second half as they were abject in the first period.

Goals from Jan Bednarek and Shane Long looked destined to maintain Southampton’s recent run of form but a second half revival from the Black Country side broke the home supporters’ hearts in painfully predictable style. Although VAR had a part to play in the Wolves goals, including missing a handball from Adama Traore in the build up to the third goal, the harsh reality was that Hasenhuttl’s men had no answer to Nuno Esporito’s half time tactical masterclass.

With other results going in their favour, Southampton will be bitterly disappointed not to have capitalised on their outstanding first half showing. Nevertheless with a visit to Selhurst Park quickly looming on Tuesday evening, Ralph Hasenhuttl will need to cajole a better performance out of his team to prevent a slide back into their pre-December form.

Here’s three key players from the match:

Southampton 2-3 Wolves: Premier League – Three Key Saints Players

By Alastair Case | Jan 20, 2020

With the familiarity of an old friend popping round for afternoon tea, Southampton’s defensive frailties reared their unwelcome head once more as they contrived to throw away a comfortable two goal lead at St Mary’s.