After claiming their first win of the season against Everton in their previous game it was back to the same for Southampton and Russell Martin as they suffered a comfortable loss away at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves manager Gary O’Neil can breathe a sigh of relief as Wolves secured their first win of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday. In a significant game for the bottom of the table on matchday 11, Wolves defeated fellow strugglers Southampton 2-0, a result that could prove crucial in the battle for Premier League survival.
The wind went out of the Saints sails early-on when Wolves got off to the perfect start scoring with barely one minute on the clock. Matheus Cunha latched onto a loose ball within the Southampton half, driving towards the box before delivering a reverse pass to Pablo Sarabia. Sarabia expertly rounded Aaron Ramsdale and neatly slid the ball into the empty net, setting the tone for the match.
Southampton thought they’d equalised 10 minutes later when Ryan Manning found the top corner following a scramble in the box. However, VAR intervened ruling out the goal due to a foul in the buildup. Mateus Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled Nelson Semedo keeping Wolves’ clean sheet intact.
True to Russell Martins footballing philosophy (and much to Saints fans frustration), despite dominating possession with 71% of the ball in the first half Southampton failed to create any quality clear-cut chances. Wolves, on the other hand, appeared threatening on the counter every times they went forwards, but the scoreline remained 1-0 as the teams headed into the break.
Following the restart, Wolves emerged with renewed vigor, pressing Southampton deep and regaining possession multiple times. After several missed opportunities, they finally doubled their lead. Cunha delivered a stunning, 25 yard looped strike from outside the box into the far left corner, leaving Aaron Ramsdale helpless. Would a taller keeper have saved this strike? Possibly.
As the game progressed, Southampton pushed for a comeback, but Wolves’ defense held firm. The match concluded with Wolves securing their first three points of the season.
This victory pushes Wolves up to 18th in the league table, just a point shy of 17th-placed Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Russell Martin’s Southampton remain firmly rock bottom, yet to secure a point on the road this season and starting to look like a relegated team.
Match Stats: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Southampton
- Possession: Wolverhampton Wanderers 30% – 70% Southampton
- Shots: Wolverhampton Wanderers 8 – 7 Southampton
- Shots on Target: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 – 0 Southampton
- Corners: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 9 Southampton
- Fouls: Wolverhampton Wanderers 13 – 12 Southampton
Summary
More misery for Russell Martin against fellow strugglers Wolves’. But the win marks a crucial step for Wolves in their fight against relegation, offering a glimmer of hope for Gary O’Neil and his team as they aim to climb the Premier League table. Southampton starting to look like a relegated team that others believe anything less than 3 points won’t do.
