carlos alcarazfirst half goal Southampton A lifeline as they score an important three points in a 1-0 win against their relegation-fighting teammates Leicester.
The Saints entered the game without a win at eight. Premier League The home games are a series of games that stretch back to Chelsea’s visit to St Mary’s in August.
However, January, who scored Alcaraz’s second goal in many starts, ended that run and diminished its importance. James Ward-Prowse failed to take the penalty.
Saints boss Ruben Selles made changes and his gamble, including a rare start for Theo Walcott, paid off as he moved away from the bottom of the table, albeit with a goal difference. It also got a nice boost after the FA Cup midweek loss to League Two Grimsby.
Leicester were left to regret a series of missed chances as the defeat put them just three points above the relegation zone.
Named in the starting 11 for the first time since the World Cup, Walcott had a half-chance early on after being picked by him. Ainsley Maitland-Nilesbut there was no strength in his last effort.
Leicester had a half chance in the 20th minute. Kelechi Iheanacho finally a Harvey Barnes free kick but failed to direct the header.
Much of the first half lacked quality and luck, but Southampton took a lifeline when referee Robert Jones signaled the penalty spot after 30 minutes into Walcott’s mid-kick to Timothy Castagne’s hand.
However, Ward-Prowse saved the point kick. Danny Ward, who guessed the right way. The midfielder, known for his prowess in free kicks, has missed both penalties for the Hampshire club this season.
But in the 35th minute Southampton found the breakthrough. Che Adams He beat the offside trap to pick Alcaraz and passed the ball past Ward.
A long VAR check was made for offside, but the goal was deemed valid. Alcaraz also appeared injured in the celebratory slide, but after some treatment he was able to continue but didn’t get past the 50th minute.
After Iheanacho was picked from the far post, he got another opportunity, but was only able to direct the ball out again.
Brendan Rodgers’ men tried to pull themselves back into the game by dominating possession and luck. Another opportunity fell on Iheanacho, who made a tap outside of the area before firing.
The visitors made another opening with almost the final touch of the game, with defender Harry Souttar defeating goalie Gavin Bazunu – only to swing the ball over the bar.