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 Leon Patrick Bailey Butler Matthew Stuart Cash
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Saints have lost their last three Premier League home games, last losing four in a row at St Mary's in November 2019. Indeed, Southampton have won fewer home points than any other side in the Premier League this term, with just six.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Ramsey finds Luiz on the edge of the box, who looks to play a one-two with Coutinho inside the area. However, Salisu cuts out the return ball between the Brazilians, and scythes it clear for Saints.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Lyanco dispossesses Ramsey in midfield and links up with Armstrong and Mara to his right. The latter looks to flash the ball across the face of goal, but can only send it into Martinez's gloves at the near post.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Ramsey charges forward with pace before feeding Watkins, who attempts a shot from a tight angle which is blocked behind for a corner!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
A Villa free-kick is half-cleared and falls to Moreno, who attempts the spectacular but fires his chested volley a mile over the crossbar.
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