Southampton claim gigantic three points as Alcaraz downs Leicester
It was a new low in midweek for Southampton after their cup loss to fourth-tier Grimsby, but earlier afternoon defeats for relegation rivals Leeds United and Bournemouth couldn’t have provided any more impetus for the home side. Rubén Sellés handed 33-year-old Theo Walcott his second start of the season, but perhaps showcased his rustiness as he skewed an early effort from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cut-back.
The Foxes grew into the game and should have been in front midway through the first half via Kelechi Iheanacho, but despite four goals in his last six starts, he mistimed his header after James Maddison fizzed in a free-kick. It would come back to bite Brendan Rodgers’ men moments later, when Walcott showed a burst of pace to get to the byline before Timothy Castagne handled, leaving referee Robert Jones with no choice but to point to the spot. History-maker Ward-Prowse stepped up to the spot, but unfortunately for him his firmly-struck penalty was saved well to Danny Ward’s right.
The Saints still had time to go in at the break in front however, when Alcaraz raced through on goal to make it two goals in two starts after some fine hold up play by Ché Adams. However, the drama wasn’t over yet as VAR intervened, but thankfully for Alcaraz, who injured himself in an overzealous celebration, it was deemed onside.
Moments after the break, Leicester should have been level with the chance again falling to Iheanacho. It was another headed opportunity laid on a plate to him by Dennis Praet, but the header lacked the usual conviction and floated wide. A third clear-cut chance was gifted to him when Gavin Bazunu passed straight to him, but yet again the chance went begging as the Nigerian fired over.
Adam Armstrong missed a late chance to wrap up the victory, but in the end the Saints held on well to record their first home win in nine and break Leicester’s run of five games without defeat at St Mary’s.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Roméo Lavia (Southampton)