Southampton1 - 2Wolves

Despite the hosts making a bright start to the game, the visitors took the lead in the first half, when Jorgen Strand Larsen headed past Aaron Ramsdale after some poor defending from the Saints.

The Norwegian added a second early on in the second half, as Wolves appeared to be heading for a comforable victory in Hampshire.

The Saints clawed one back through Paul Onuachu with 15 minutes to go, but the visitors held on for an important victory, as they moved nine points clear of the relegation zone.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

That game just about sums up Southampton's season - they started the game well and they could have taken the lead before Wolves had even had a shot.

The defending for Wolverhampton's first goal was was exactly why the Saints have conceded so many this year, as both Bellegarde and Strand Larsen were given acres of space to assist and score the opener.

To Southampton's credit, they never gave it up, even at 2-0 and with the fans voicing their displeasure at the performance.

However, Wolves held on for a crucial win, and for all their efforts, the hosts could not rescue a point.

A return to the Championship appears imminent for Southampton, but Wolves distanced themselves from the relegation zone today, and they look as if they may well be staying up.

SOUTHAMPTON VS. WOLVES HIGHLIGHTS

19th min: Southampton 0-1 Wolves (Jorgen Strand Larsen)

Wolves have the lead! The goal has come against the run of play, but Southampton have not helped themselves, as the defending was poor.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde receives the ball in space on the right-hand side, and he swings in a lovely ball to Strand Larsen, who has a free header to give the visitors the lead!

47th min: Southampton 0-2 Wolves (Jorgen Strand Larsen)

Wolves win back possession from Ramsdale's long ball, and Bellegarde is on hand to provide the assist again, as Strand Larsen drags an effort into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.

75th min: Southampton 1-2 Wolves (Paul Onuachu)

Game on? Tyler Dibling's effort crashes off the post, and Onuachu is there to convert on the rebound! 15 minutes to go, and the Saints may be back in this!

MAN OF THE MATCH - JORGEN STRAND LARSEN

Strand Larsen and Bellegarde did the damage today, and the Norwegian netted a deserved brace to help secure a precious victory for the visitors.

Much of the talk before the game was about how Wolves would cope without the suspended Matheus Cunha, but Strand Larsen helped provide the goals today in the absence of the Brazilian star.

SOUTHAMPTON VS. WOLVES MATCH STATS

Possession: Southampton 60%-40% Wolves

Shots: Southampton 10-5 Wolves

Shots on target: Southampton 3-3 Wolves

Corners: Southampton 5-1 Wolves

Fouls: Southampton 12-13 Wolves

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

With an international break looming, both sides will not play again until the beginning of April.

Wolves return home to take on West Ham United at Molineux on April 1, while Southampton are back at home to Crystal Palace a day later.

Written by

Tom Humphrey