Both clubs entered this game coming off of big victories. After defeating Daniel Farke’s Leeds last time out.
Southampton traveled to the bet365 Stadium hoping for a second straight victory, while Alex Neil’s Potters overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Bristol City 3-2 at Ashton Gate.
A chilly night in Stoke-on-Trent began with the Saints dominating possession early on, with Stuart Armstrong trying to force his way through to goal, only for Luke McNally to clear his lines well.
However, it was the home side who forced the first half-chances of the game, as from a corner, Ben Pearson took aim from outside the box – but his long-range effort zipped over the bar, while Sead Haksabanovic’s mistimed volley ebbed just past the near post.
What was proving to be a rather quiet first half, however, was almost brought to life in the 19th minute as Haksabanovic’s flick on in the box saw Nathan Lowe almost latch onto the ball and take the shot on, but Jan Bednarek was there to put the ball out of play. Josh Laurent also saw a wayward effort go wide shortly after.
It was then Southampton’s turn to find the opener, only for Kamaldeen Sulemana – who was impressive in the Saints’ win over Leeds last time out – to fire a curling effort well over the bar.
Nathan Lowe then had another chance to open the scoring for the home side, but Mehdi Leris’ cross in from the right hand side was headed just wide by the young forward. Lowe’s cross then almost found Mehdi Leris in the box in the 35th minute, only for the cross to be heavier than first thought and thus the Saints could clear their lines easily.
It was only a matter of time until the score was broken as goalmouth action increased at both ends of the field, and that’s exactly what happened as the game entered the 41st minute. Stuart Armstrong was hauled back by Josh Laurent, earning Stuart Armstrong a free kick just outside the Stoke City box. The Scottish international then got up and sent a magnificent free kick past Mark Travers and over the crossbar, causing Travers to celebrate by sprinting to manager Russell Martin.
