Adam Armstrong’s late strike proves telling as Southampton earn their first Premier League victory of the season with a 1-0 success over Everton at St Mary’s.
Southampton belatedly earned their first Premier League victory of the season at the 10th attempt as they eked out a 1-0 victory over fellow bottom-half strugglers Everton at St Mary’s.
In a South Coast clash often bereft of ingenuity on both ends, a late Adam Armstrong strike proved decisive for a relieved Russell Martin, whose side also had some Aaron Ramsdale heroics to thank for a long-awaited three points.
Saturday’s St Mary’s affair well and truly followed the Southampton script; the possession-dominant Saints had as much as 90% of the ball in the first 10 minutes, albeit without making it count as far as attacking plays were concerned.
Everton sought to press the hosts into errors when possible and had a couple of promising moments in the final third through Iliman Ndiaye, but quality was severely lacking in both final thirds during a tepid contest.
It took until the final five minutes of the first half for the game to spring into life – Cameron Archer finally had the Saints’ first shot in the 40th minute – but the South Coast clash could only get better from an entertainment point of view in the second half.
More to follow.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
Aaron Ramsdale save vs. Everton (67th min, Southampton 0-0 Everton)
That is exactly what Southampton paid the big bucks for! Michael Keane surely must think that his downward header is bound for the bottom corner, but Aaron Ramsdale somehow manages to claw the ball onto the post and the hosts survive.
Adam Armstrong goal vs. Everton (85th min, Southampton 1-0 Everton)
Tenth time lucky? Southampton are just a matter of minutes away from their first Premier League win of the season!
Barely a moment after Beto smashes the crossbar for the visitors, Martin’s men charge down the other end of the field, and Armstrong is on hand to meet Yukinari Sugawara‘s cut-back and propel the hosts ahead!
MAN OF THE MATCH – AARON RAMSDALE
© Imago
SOUTHAMPTON VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Southampton 65%-35% Everton
Shots: Southampton 9-16 Everton
Shots on target: Southampton 2-5 Everton
Corners: Southampton 3-6 Everton
Fouls: Southampton 14-18 Everton
WHAT NEXT?
In their final fixture before the international break, Southampton head to Molineux to face fellow basement side Wolverhampton Wanderers on November 9, while Everton battle West Ham United away from home next Saturday at 3pm.
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