Southampton vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the reaction from St. Mary's Stadium
Southampton suffered a blow in their bid to avoid Premier League relegation as they went down 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in a match disrupted by a rogue drone on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins struck Villa’s winner in the 77th minute off a free kick by Douglas Luiz shortly after Saints had been controversially denied the opening goal by VAR.
The home crowd had erupted when Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse’s deflected effort found the net in the 63rd minute but their joy was cut short with substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi deemed to have fouled Jacob Ramsey in the box.
Moussa Djenepo came close to a late equaliser but Villa held on for a third successive away league win as their resurgence under new manager Unai Emery continued.
Southampton, who could have escaped the drop zone with a victory, remain bottom with 15 points from 20 games. Villa stay 11th on 28 points.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Substitution Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo Leander Dendoncker
Southampton vs Aston Villa
In the seven previous games they've scored first in this season, Villa have only dropped points in one, winning the other six, and they'll be hoping to make that record seven as the clock ticks down at St. Mary's.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Ward-Prowse whips the Southampton free-kick into the box from deep, but Salisu's towering header is sent looping over the goalkeeper and wide of the target.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Villa have avoided defeat in their last five matches when scoring the opening goal this season, dating back to August against Crystal Palace.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Substitution Duje Ćaleta-Car Moussa Djenepo
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Substitution Adam James Armstrong Mislav Oršić
Southampton vs Aston Villa
SAVED!!! Perraud's cross from the left is headed back by Mara, and Lyanco takes charge by chesting the ball down before smashing a half-volley low and into the grateful gloves of Martinez!
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