Southampton Slay Swans 1-0 at St. Mary's, Claim First League Win
Charlie Austin netted in the 63rd minute to give Southampton its first win in the Premier League this year, as the Saints downed Swansea 1-0 at St. Mary’s.
The goal was Austin’s third in two games, following a brace against Sparta Prague on Thursday, and came after a clutch of chances created up front.
Just a minute earlier, Austin took a spectacular shot that seemingly defied the laws of physics, coming off the crossbar and hitting the unsuspecting Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski in the back before careening harmlessly away.
For most of the match, it looked to be another frustrating repeat of recent outings. Southampton dominated the game in every category but chances created were left unfinished or poorly executed.
The Saints got their first chance of the game off a cross in for Shane Long in the 12th minute that ended up in Fabianski’s arms instead, but the Irish striker would get another chance a few minutes later. Unfortunately, his run of poor finishing form would continue; a 14th minute shot was parried away by Fabianski and a cross to Steven Davis a few minutes later failed to connect cleanly.
Dusan Tadic was next up to buy a ticket, trying to replicate his free-kick success of last League outing in the 19th minute. This time, though, the keeper was good for it and Fabianski turned it away without trouble.
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In the 34th minute Ryan Bertrand got into the action, taking a near-post swipe at the Swans’ net, to no avail; the resulting corner was swiftly gobbled up by Fabianski.
As the half wound down, Long would get another chance but find himself the subject of another questionable refereeing decision. On a break at the far side of the box, he appeared to be tripped up in a potential penalty by a Swansea defender. Referee Mike Jones didn’t see it that way, though, and brandished the yellow card to Shane Long for simulation.
The half wound down with a pair of Nathan Redmond chances lifted into the seats, and Southampton went off level at 0-0 despite a superior showing.
The second half started as the first had ended, with Southampton firmly in control but Shane Long unable to find the back of the net. After four golden chances missed, Claude Puel had evidently seen enough. At the 54th minute, Long was pulled off for Charlie Austin, whilst Pierre-Emile Højbjerg came in to relieve Jordy Clasie.
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Austin was quick to make the most of his opportunities, hitting one at the 55th minute that skipped just wide, before Redmond skied yet another golden opportunity a few minutes later. By the 62nd minute, which saw Austin’s ricocheting shot denied, many a fan was surely thinking it would be another frustrating day at St. Mary’s.
A minute later, a poorly-cleared cross fell to Charlie Austin, who took two touches and slammed it into the far corner to put Southampton up 1-0.
There would be a few more cracks from Austin trying to make it another brace, and some nervy moments as Dusan Tadic’s errant pass led to a Swansea counterattack, but the defence held against late subs Jefferson Montero and Borja Baston to claim the first win of the League campaign for Southampton.
It’s an essential three points for the Saints, who now sit 14th in the table on 5 points. It’s also their second win in a week following a 3-0 win over Sparta Prague on Thursday, something you have to figure is good for dressing-room confidence.
Addressing the win in the postgame press conference, Claude Puel voiced his pleasure and relief at finally breaking the goose-egg in Premier League wins.
“I think it was a good performance, because it was a difficult game,” Puel told Saints media.
“I said congratulations after the game to my players…it’s a very good win together.”
For Charlie Austin, it was a game to remember though the striker rued the wasted chances.
“Strikers are credited on goals, the stats don’t lie,” Austin told club media. “For me, I like to be in the box to score goals…I should’ve scored three today.”
With a team energised and hungry to score, it seems Claude Puel’s system is finally finding its legs. Southampton take a few days off before hosting Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the EFL Cup; their next League fixture is against a dismal-looking West Ham side at the London Stadium next week.
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