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Aston Villa vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ win

By Marc Walker

Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates with teammates (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates with teammates (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Southampton moved up to third in the Premier League table with a 4-3 win away at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

A superb showing of set-piece expertise from James Ward-Prowse saw Saints streak into a 3-0 lead by half-time, and then a sumptuous strike from Danny Ings made it four on 58 minutes.

Jack Grealish proved influential late on as Villa clawed their was back to 4-3 by the full-time whistle, but it cannot be argued that Saints deserved their victory overall.

A few injuries to key players did cloud post-match celebrations somewhat but Saints fans will still be wondering just how far they can go this season.

Here is a tactical and statistical look at how the result was determined (stats via whoscored.com unless stated: