Paul Onuachu got his first start, but was silenced as Southampton fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Wolves.
Southampton had been without a win in ten matches, and looked like they were on their way to ending the rot when they scored first through Carlos Alcaraz in the 24th minute.
It was a deserved lead for Nathan Jones’ side after a dominating start, and it seems too good to be true as Wolves got a man sent off three minutes later.
Mario Lemina was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Wolves had other plans and managed to overturn what was expected to be a straightforward victory for the Saints.
Things change in the second half for Southampton who failed to capitalize on their lead and man advantage.
Wolves had been inactive all through the encounter, but scored through an unfortunate Jan Bednarek own-goal. Diego Costa’s shot was blocked but fell kindly for Adama Traore whose attempt was bundled home by the Polish defender.
That equaliser rattled Southampton and they cracked under pressure. Just when it was looking like the points will be shared, João Gomes had other ideas, as the January signing snatched all three points for Wolves.
Paul Onuachu was somewhat isolated up front, and he was taken off in the 74th minute after Wolves’ equaliser. His compatriot Joe Aribo had little or no impact as he was introduced for Saints’ goal scorer with just 10 minutes to go.
Onuachu was bought to score goals and save Southampton from relegation, but the Big number 9 will be banking on himself to come good as there is little or no room for adaptation.
