Match information for Southampton vs. Aston Villa Southampton lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at home on Saturday in a game that was interrupted by a rogue drone, dealing a setback to their attempt to avoid Premier League relegation. In the 77th minute, Ollie Watkins scored Villa's winning goal after a free kick by Douglas Luiz, only seconds after VAR controversially disallowed the Saints from scoring the game's first goal. When Southampton captain James Ward-deflected Prowse's shot struck the back of the net in the 63rd minute, the home fans exploded in celebration. However, their jubilation was short-lived when it was determined that replacement Mohamed Elyounoussi had fouled Jacob Ramsey in the box. Although Moussa Moussa Djenepo nearly scored a late equaliser, Villa managed to win their third straight away league game.Their comeback persisted under new manager Unai Emery.
With 15 points from 20 games, Southampton, who might have avoided the relegation zone, is still at the bottom of the standings. With 28 points, the villa holds onto the 11th spot.Southampton had felt they had reached a turning point in their fight against the drop after breaking a run of six straight Premier League losses by defeating Everton last week.But manager Nathan Jones had a depressing day since his team did little to excite the crowd.Despite having a let-off when Ward-goal Prowse's was overturned, Villa were the superior team and earned the victory.Che Adams' first-half goal for Southampton was likewise disallowed for offside, although it was Che Adams' first-half goal for Southampton was also called back for offside, but Jones and his team found it most difficult to accept the second judgement.We think that a goal that was quietly reversed was one we scored.
We deserved more from the game, so I'm just really, really upset," Jones said.When Luiz whipped in a free kick for Villa, Watkins found space to nod the ball into the goal. The goal was approved after being examined for offside.Since taking over for Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, Emery has won five of his last seven league games."I have total confidence in the VAR." When the referee was viewing it for us or for them, I didn't move my hand. "Of course, I will accept it if he decides," I said. Emery remarked of Southampton's predicament, "Today it is for us; sometimes it will be against us."
Before halftime, the big talking point was referee Michael Salisbury removing the players from the field for a while when a drone hovered over it. After about 10 minutes, the police gave the all-clear.
Southampton (5) :Lavia (6), Edozie (6), Ward-Prowse (6), Armstrong (5), and Adams for Southampton. Lyanco (6), Caleta-Car (6), Salisu (7), Walker-Peters (6), and Diallo (7) .
Subs:Elyounoussi, Mara, Perraud, Orsic, and Djenepo
Aston Villa (6) : Young (7), Konsa (7), Mings (6), Moreno (7), Ramsey (7), Kamara (6), Luiz (7), Bailey (5), Watkins (7), and Buendia
Subs:Coutinho (six), Cash (n/a), and Dendoncker (n/a).
Emilio Martinez was named the game's MVP.