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
Ramsey has ceetainly been lively for Villa in that first half, testing Bazunu with two shots, both on target. He's maintaining a pass accuracy of 96 per cent, has completed one dribble from two attempts, as well as winning three of his seven duels and completing a tackle and interception apiece. Livewire.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
The first half draws to a close, and aside from the drone-enforced stoppage in play, it's been an enthralling watch! Both sides have looked to create chances through counter-attacks and fast transitions, with both goalkeepers being called into action. Saints did have the ball in the net via Walker-Peters, but the offside flag denied him the opener. Ramsey and Kamara have both gone close at the other end, and as long as the drones stay away in the second half, we'll likely see a goal or two!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
CHANCE!!! Moreno breaks down the left and cuts the ball back into the centre, but Bailey slips as he arrives to shoot first-time and sends the ball spiralling wide!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
We'll play two added minutes at the end of a rather eventful first half.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
SAVED!!! Watkins wins another free-kick on the opposite side and this time Bailey chooses power, smashing the ball towards goal. It takes a deflection off the wall, and falls to Kamara in the box, but his header is straight into the gloves of Bazunu!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
What a sight! Luiz and Bailey stand over the free-kick and Luiz knocks the ball to his teammate, but Bailey doesn't see him do so and Villa lose the ball!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Here come the players with the match set to resume, and Villa have at least had plenty of time to plan their routine for this free-kick!
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