English Premier League

Southampton 2 – 3 Wolves

Mexican striker Raul Jimenez scored twice as Wolves magnificently came from 2-0 down to win at in-form Southampton.

The Saints looked set for their sixth victory in seven games when Jan Bednarek hooked in and Shane Long headed home for his first of the season.

However, the momentum shifted after the break. Portuguese teenager Pedro Neto, exceptional for Wolves so far this season, reduced the deficit after controlling Adama Traore’s delivery from the right.

Jimenez slotted home from the spot to bring the scores level after Jonny had been sandwiched by Jack Stephens and Cedric Soares. Referee Darren England, making his Premier League debut, pointed for a corner before his decision was overturned by VAR.

And with 14 minutes left the fightback was complete when Jimenez stroked in after more good work from Traore.

A popular post-match question to Nuno Espirito Santo might be, “what did you say to them at half-time?”

Wolves were relatively abject in that opening period. Neither Jimenez, Neto nor Traore made many in-roads into the Southampton area.

Some might have thought that this long season for Wolves, which started back at the end of July, was beginning to take its toll on the players – after all, they had experienced three defeats and two draws in the previous five games.

But in Nuno, they have one of the best motivators in this league. The team also has a precocious talent in Neto.

The 19-year-old, who appears destined for greater achievements, set Wolves on their way when he brought down Traore’s ball brilliantly before striking past Alex McCarthy.

The home crowd at St Mary’s then fell almost silent as VAR overturned England’s initial ‘no penalty’ decision before Jimenez slotted home.

The forward, at the forefront of all that has been good for the Midlands side, then capped off a great day for the visitors when he converted Traore’s cross.

Shane Long scored his first goal for the Saints since 27 April v Bournemouth
All good things come to an end, and this ended with a thump to the face for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

But if he erases the woeful second-half capitulation from his mind and focuses on the first half then there are positives.

The first being Long. The Austrian boss was recently glowing about the 32-year-old, highlighting how his work rate and effervescent attitude in the attack have aided both strike-partner Danny Ings and the side in recent weeks.

He would have had a smile as wide as anybody’s when Long finally ended a drought going back to April with a stooping header from Cedric Soares’ cross.

As for Bednarek, he scored his first since April 2018. James Ward-Prowse delivered a free-kick from the right and the Polish centre-back hooked home from 12 yards.

That run of wins prior to Saturday moved the Saints into mid-table – it is important they rediscover the form that took them there.

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Norwich City 1 - 0 Bournemouth

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Source – BBC