Southampton vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the reaction from St. Mary's Stadium
Southampton suffered a blow in their bid to avoid Premier League relegation as they went down 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in a match disrupted by a rogue drone on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins struck Villa’s winner in the 77th minute off a free kick by Douglas Luiz shortly after Saints had been controversially denied the opening goal by VAR.
The home crowd had erupted when Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse’s deflected effort found the net in the 63rd minute but their joy was cut short with substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi deemed to have fouled Jacob Ramsey in the box.
Moussa Djenepo came close to a late equaliser but Villa held on for a third successive away league win as their resurgence under new manager Unai Emery continued.
Southampton, who could have escaped the drop zone with a victory, remain bottom with 15 points from 20 games. Villa stay 11th on 28 points.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
There's still no sign of the players returning as we approach what would have been half-time, and let's hope the delay isn't too lengthy!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Play has been halted before the free-kick could be taken, due to a remote-controlled drone flying above the goal at that end of St. Mary's. After some deliberation, the referee takes the players off the pitch and down the tunnel, and it's anyone's guess as to when they'll return!
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Caleta-Car is all over Watkins with his back to goal, and brings the striker down as he looks to control the ball. Villa will have a free-kick in prime shooting position, but unfortunatley for them, James Ward-Prowse is on the other team.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Edozie dribbles down the byline and beats two defenders before crossing, but the ball is deflected up and into the waiting gloves of Martinez.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa have won 13 points in their six Premier League games under Unai Emery so far, one more than they had in 13 games under Steven Gerrard this season. The Villans have also scored as many goals in six games under Emery, than in the 13 before his arrival.
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