AN 87th minute winner from striker ‘Tall’ Paul Onuachu sees Southampton up to nine points as they beat Ipswich 2-1 in Suffolk, on their quest to avoid Derby’s lowest points record.
This result is Saints boss Ivan Juric’s first win in the Premier League, and whilst his side remain bottom of the table, they close the gap on the teams above them, including today’s opponents. This win was also their first away win all season.
Saints went 1-0 up with their first shot of the game as midfielder Joe Aribo after he gets on the end of a deflected cross 20 minutes in.
Just 10 minutes later, however, the Tractor Boys came back and levelled the scoring after in-form striker Liam Delap slots it calmly past Aaron Ramsdale, tallying his ninth of the season.
Southampton and England defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis was forced off just before halftime with an injury, and fellow central defender Jack Stephens, who came on for Harwood-Bellis, was also forced off injured, just 10 minutes after coming on.
With the two sides now level, Ipswich continued to pepper the Southampton goal, but to no avail, as the half-time score read 1-1.
The second half saw little chances, with Delap’s 70th minute shot equalled by Ramsdale who made sure the game stayed 1-1.
However, just three minutes from time, the away side continued to show heart and grit, and in the end, it was the Nigerian Paul Onuachu who poked it home to seal all three points for Southampton. As the fans in the away end went wild.
After the game, Saints boss Juric said “It’s a great feeling.
“We have played better games, like against Manchester United, but we took the points today. We suffered in moments but the guys were great and we deserved it.”
Southampton’s next game is at home to Championship side Burnley in the FA Cup fourth round next weekend. As for their opponents, they are up against Frank Lampard’s Coventry, also in the FA Cup.
