Southampton lost another lead, and suffered a 1-2 defeat thanks to VAR boosted second half performance by Wolves.
Southampton started strong, winning possession in the midfield while creating key transitional opportunities. Nathan Redmond, starting alongside Danny Ings will be asked some questions, as he looked unconfident running free at goal, making some poor decisions en route. Redmond should be praised for his ability to exploit the space given by Wolves, but his end product could have put the match away in the first half.
Danny Ings’ thunderous volley was the early difference. The Saints probably should have had more against a toothless Wolves, but a comfortable 1-0 lead was deserved. Stuart Armstrong again played the conductor, driving 30 yards to the end line before picking his head up and finding Ings with his weak foot. Ralph Hasenhuttl had suggested rest for Armstrong in his prematch comments, but his importance to the team took precedence and it clearly paid off.
VAR nicked the Saints again when Ryan Bertrand was hit with a Nelson Semedo strike. Wolves did step up their game to open the period, but in this instance, what was Bertrand to do? An opponent puts his full power behind a shot and defender 5 yards away is hit in the arm making a natural reaction to defend their body. No obvious error in the initial decision they say? Arguable, yet laughable how many have gone against Saints in a short period of time.
Pedro Neto did Jannik Vestergaard and Alex McCarthy in to end the match. Southampton’s inability to equalise is dire. Kyle Walker-Peters’ injury solidified our fate, as the team went to a more defensive shape thanks to depth in personnel. Ralph Hasenhuttl has got to be at a loss for words in Southampton’s recent fortune, but perhaps it will balance itself all out with a trip to a Cup Final. The question remains, will it be worth it?
Here are the player ratings for Southampton in their 1-2 loss to Wolves.