Carlos Alcaraz’s first-half objective handed Southampton a lifeline as they secured an important three factors in a 1-0 win over fellow relegation battlers Leicester.
The Saints had gone into the sport winless in eight Premier League residence video games, a run of matches stretching all the best way again to the go to of Chelsea to St Mary’s in August.
Nevertheless, January signing Alcaraz’s second objective in as many begins ended that run and lessened the importance of James Ward-Prowse’s earlier failure to transform a penalty.
Saints boss Ruben Selles made adjustments and his gamble, together with a uncommon begin for Theo Walcott, paid off as they moved off the foot of the desk, albeit on objective distinction. It additionally supplied a welcome raise after the shock midweek FA Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby.
Leicester had been left to rue a lot of missed probabilities, with defeat leaving them simply three factors above the relegation zone.
Walcott, named within the beginning line-up for the primary time since earlier than the World Cup, had a half-chance early on after being picked out by Ainsley Maitland-Niles, however his last effort lacked energy.
Leicester had a half-chance of their very own within the twentieth minute as Kelechi Iheanacho received on the top of a Harvey Barnes free-kick however he was unable to direct the header goalwards.
Nearly all of the primary half had been largely devoid of high quality and probabilities however Southampton acquired a lifeline within the thirtieth minute when referee Robert Jones pointed to the penalty spot after Walcott’s cross hit Timothy Castagne’s hand.
Nevertheless, Ward-Prowse had his spot-kick saved by Danny Ward, who guessed the suitable manner. The midfielder, identified for his free-kick prowess, has missed each penalties he has taken this season for the Hampshire membership.
Within the thirty fifth minute nevertheless Southampton discovered the breakthrough, when Che Adams beat the offside lure to pick Alcaraz and he slotted the ball previous Ward.
There was a prolonged VAR verify for offside, however the objective was allowed to face.
Alcaraz additionally appeared to damage himself within the celebratory slide, however after receiving some remedy was capable of proceed, though he didn’t final past the fiftieth minute.
Iheanacho had one other headed alternative fall to him after being picked out on the far submit, however he might solely information the ball large once more.
Brendan Rodgers’ males seemed to pull themselves again into the sport, dominating possession and probabilities. One other alternative fell to Iheanacho, who took a contact outdoors the realm earlier than firing over.
The guests had one other opening with virtually the ultimate contact of the sport, with defender Harry Souttar beating goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu – solely to nod the ball over the bar.
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