Southampton

Dave Azzopardi
Fan writer

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Here is what our Wolves fan writer Dave Azzopardi had to say in response to questions from our Southampton contributor Glen de la Cour.

Is there a feeling among the Wolves fanbase that Gary O'Neil is really in last-chance saloon with this game and has to win it? Given the recent run of form, do you expect to win it?

Yes, there is definitely a feeling among the majority of the fanbase that this is a must-win for O'Neil.

There have been some positive elements to our games recently, which gives us some encouragement ahead of Saturday. However, one win in 20 games - including last season - is not good enough and it is no surprise some Wolves fans will not be particularly looking forward to this game.

Your fixtures seem to have been very unkindly frontloaded with big clubs. Do you expect the team and manager to climb the table as we head towards Christmas and the fixture list, on paper, gets a bit kinder?

I certainly hope so. This team is good enough to compete with most sides in the division and we should not be in this position, even with the difficult fixtures.

Our fixtures are certainly more favourable towards Christmas but it will be interesting to see if Wolves can find those wins and take some momentum into that run.

I believe we are strong enough and I hope by Christmas we are much further up the table.

Is Wolves' poor defensive record down to poor organization and tactical setup, or poor individual defending by certain players?

It is a bit of everything. Going forward we have been OK and scored a decent amount of goals but, as you are aware, we have an awful defensive record so far.

Conceding regularly from set-pieces is a slight concern. We even sacked our new set-piece coach last month but things do not seem to have improved much on that front.

We rarely concede a goal where I think: "Fair play, that is a really good goal." It is normally from our own errors, whether that is gifting the possession to the opposition or poor defensive positioning.

If O'Neil keeps his job beyond this weekend, this will need addressing urgently.

Find more from Dave Azzopardi at Talking Wolves, external

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Glen de la Cour
Fan writer

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Here is what our Southampton fan writer Glen de la Cour had to say in response to questions from our Wolves contributor Dave Azzopardi.

Coming out of the Championship, Southampton had the reputation of playing a certain brand of football. Has Russell Martin adapted his style of football yet to suit the squad in a tougher division?

You can get away with a lot at the lower level and there is a feeling that Martin is still working out what you cannot do when you do not have better players than the opposition.

He will never compromise on the possession-based style, but what we need to do once we have beaten the press is to create more chances, rather than just turning back and allowing teams to get back into shape.

He is learning but the problem is, he has been learning while we have been losing games and that, of course, is not sustainable.

Like Gary O'Neil, Martin had been under some pressure after struggling to pick up points early on. Is there still mounting pressure going into this game despite a win last weekend?

The win against Everton has certainly kept the noise down around his future, for this international break at least. Had we failed to beat Everton, then this game would really have been the last-chance saloon for both managers.

As it is, I feel that O’Neil is under more pressure, especially with his team being at home and because of the tail end of last season too.

There is pressure on this game for Southampton because the next five games are against teams that are going to be finishing in the top half, so Saints really have to target this fixture for a win.

Which Southampton players are standing out right now? Who are the players Wolves need to be watching out for on Saturday?

Aaron Ramsdale always stands out. He is the one player we signed of proven Premier League quality, and we certainly would not have beaten Everton last week without him.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has come to the fore in the past few games, which has culminated in him getting an England call-up. The two brightest players in attacking areas are Mateus Fernandes, who is always looking to be positive and the youngster everybody is talking about, Tyler Dibling, who is our most skilful and threatening forward player.

The main goal threat will be provided by Cameron Archer and you cannot rule out Adam Armstrong.

Find more from Glen de la Cour at the Total Saints Podcast, external and at Saints Blog, external

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Southampton manager Russell Martin is confident that Gary O'Neil can turn Wolves' fortunes around this season.

With the two set to play against each other on Saturday for the first time since they entered management, Martin spoke about his friendship with O'Neil when they were team-mates at Norwich from 2014-16.

"We stayed in touch beyond [playing careers] when he was at Liverpool and Bournemouth and I was at MK Dons and Swansea," Martin said. "Not so much now because things get very busy.

"We were probably two of the moaniest players in training and having an opinion on the game so it doesn't surprise me that we have gone on to this side of it. We spent most of our time arguing on the pitch but we got on really well. We used to have a lot of conversations around football.

"Part of that comes from those conversations when you are on the training ground, when you are playing and travelling or in hotels - I just used to feel for [former Norwich defender] Steven Whittaker, who would sit there and roll his eyes at us.

"We've all got a different idea of the game but we all have clarity about what we want and part of that comes from them conversations."

With Southampton 19th and Wolves 20th, both managers are under scrutiny and in desperate need of a positive result at Molineux.

Whatever happens, Martin is convinced O'Neil will have success in his managerial career.

"I look forward to catching up with him," Martin said. "I had a lot of time for him as a team-mate and as a person. I think he's done a brilliant job and it was brilliant that he got the opportunity at Bournemouth as a young English coach.

"He did great last season and I have no doubt that they will hit their stride this season because they have been unfortunate and had a really tough run of fixtures. I look forward to catching up with him after the match - but for 90 minutes all of the friendship goes out of the window."

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League trip to Wolves (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He began with a squad update: "It's pretty much as is. 'Wee Man' [Ryan Fraser] has trained for the last couple of days, but it's probably too early to be in the squad. Everyone else seems to be good."

• On Taylor Harwood-Bellis' England call-up: "It's brilliant for the club. For us, he's been huge. We've had a difficult start and in the last few weeks we've seen him grow a lot as a character and leader on the pitch. He has to keep improving - he's an extremely talented young man. I'm delighted for him."

• On summer signing Yukinari Sugawara: "I think he's been outstanding to adapt to a different culture and environment. The only thing that has disrupted his season is the knock against Leicester and the amount of travelling he does [with Japan during the international breaks]. It's hard for him to come back with freshness and energy. I think he's been amazing and is ready for the Premier League."

• Martin praised Aaron Ramsdale for his national team call-up as well as Tyler Dibling, who also earned his first call-up to England's Under-21 squad.

• On Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, who was Martin's team-mate during his playing days: "I look forward to catching up with him. I had a lot of time for him as a team-mate and as a person. I think he's done a great job and did great last season. I have no doubt they [Wolves] will hit their stride at some point."

• Martin dismissed the idea of Wolves being an easier match than others: "The challenge is always the same - to impose the game you want and be aware of the opposition threat. I'm sure Gary is preparing his team in the same way."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis said he did not expect to be called into the England squad for the first time on Thursday.

The 22-year-old has been a regular for England at under-21 level but told club media, external he was "pleasantly surprised" to receive a phone call informing him of his first selection for the senior team.

The former Manchester City centre-back said: "I've obviously thought about it as something I wanted to do in my career but, to do it now, I didn't expect it.

"It'll be a good experience. It'll be tough to get minutes but I want to play. I'm not the type of person to be happy sitting on the bench, no matter who I'm playing for. Hopefully I can get a few minutes and I'll be proud."

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Wolves are yet to win a game this season in the Premier League and they host Southampton who are fresh off their win over Everton last weekend.

That win will have relieved a little bit of pressure off Russell Martin's back and it has proved to fans, the board and us that Southampton can win games playing the way that they want to. That is a boost, so Saints will not be approaching this game in a different manner.

The pressure is very much on Wolves to win because they are playing a promoted side at home. That would be the case regardless of their position - and they should be favourites. Unfortunately for them, that means Southampton can play like the underdogs.

However, I do not look at this game and think a manager will lose his job from the result.

If Wolves get completely outplayed by Southampton then it could be a different conversation, but that it is going off the assumption that O'Neil could lose his job at the club.

We do not know that.

What should happen to O'Neil if Wolves fail to beat Southampton?

Make your selection

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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We asked for your to tell us one thing that no one is talking about at Southampton at the moment.

Here are some of your comments:

Andy: While Russell Martin's style of play and in-game tactics are far from perfect, it's fair to say the quality of the players to choose from has deteriorated since we were last in the Premier League. We've failed to match the standard of departing stars like Ward-Prowse, Livramento, Adams and even injury-prone Lavia. January transfer window hugely important.

Mike: Saints won't stay up because we have failed to bring quality signings to key areas of the pitch: creative midfield, central defence and striker. Bednarek, Stephens, Armstrong - these players have failed before in the Premier League and they are letting us down again. Fernandes looks a decent player but Flynn Downes is struggling.

Matthew: As much as the fans are extremely negative, we should be on between nine and 15 points by now. However, the players will know that and with a win now under our belt we should kick on with confidence and a clear aim. Trust in Martin's process and safety will come, especially if we win at Wolves.

Maximus: How much longer will it be before it's realised that we need to have more than one style of play? It makes us so predictable to play against. We may change the formation from time to time but we still employ the playing out from the back system. If we get pressed, we fall apart because we cannot adapt. Adapt or get someone who can.

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At a news conference on Thursday, England interim head coach Lee Carsley spoke about Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, who have received their first call-ups to the senior squad.

"Both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and showed they can play at a high level," said Carsley.

"I know them both really well. Taylor is a player who really deserves it, he's a brilliant captain. Lewis has taken his time to settle in but has shown he can be consistent. He's got a great left foot."

Image source, PA Media

England interim manager Lee Carsley has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall and Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis have received their first call-ups to the senior side, with Saints' Aaron Ramsdale one of three goalkeepers selected.

The only other uncapped player in the squad is Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, while there is no place for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.

These will be Carsley's final two matches in charge before Thomas Tuchel becomes Gareth Southgate's full-time successor from 1 January.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton).

Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton).

Midfielders: Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Curtis Jones (Liverpool).

Forwards: Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham).

After a poor set of results to start the season, Southampton now have a Premier League win to their name and are gearing up for a key game against Wolves on Saturday.

Much has been written about Russell Martin, his tactics and whether the Saints can adapt to top-flight football.

But what is the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?

Let us know here, external

The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners podcast has landed.

Tom Deacon and Adam Blackmore enjoy the Saints' first Premier League victory of the season, and are joined by Ryan Leister from The Wolves Report podcast to preview Saturday's match at Molineux.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ray Hunt
Fan writer

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At last. The moment we all needed.

We needed some luck, but we got there somehow. Finally a win in the Premier League that ends the 19-month wait.

It follows a busy, but successful week for Saints after progression in the Carabao Cup to the quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a narrow, nail-biting victory over struggling Championship side Stoke City.

Confidence was indeed built from the buoyant, but ultimately unsuccessful trip to Manchester City where Russell Martin quoted: "Today has given me even more belief. But we have a massive two weeks ahead, starting on Tuesday."

With Tuesday's opponents Stoke taken care of (just) the attentions switched to Everton. The one that really mattered. Once again, we made things difficult and nervy in true Saints style. Can you blame us after all the negativity and late concessions?

With three points finally in the bag, the pressure has eased on Martin, albeit, it is a minor respite. Focus will now turn to another crunch game at the bottom of the league. Wolves host Saints next - the team that replaced us at the foot of the table and who still search for that elusive first win of the campaign.

It is going to be another long week full of tension as we wait, but we should enjoy this win and be proud. Could this be a turning point? A win at Wolves would spark more belief, but it is important to remember it is only one win. This was a lucky escape. On the flip side, luck has been against us with those marginal decisions.

Losing at Molineux would see us return to the bottom and pile the pressure back on, with the prospect of Liverpool visiting after the next international break.

It is a valuable win. A building block. In the words of Kyle Walker-Peters - "be calm and trust the process".

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Southampton and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Southampton fans:

Vincent: What a relief. Everton helped us out by being pretty poor for large parts of the game and when they improved we got the luck we needed thanks to the crossbar and VAR. Still lots to improve on but it feels like we have positive momentum.

Daz: Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, it's only our first win in 10 games in the Premier League and to be honest it was a lucky win at that - we were lucky to hold on to the 1-0. We are still in a relegation spot, so is this the start of something good? Who knows, but I certainly won't be holding my breath. A lucky escape for Russell Martin this time around.

Connor: Not a perfect performance, we needed a lot of luck to get us over the line. Nonetheless, I welcome the feeling of a long awaited win and I just hope the confidence gained can kick start our season. Three more points next weekend please!

Mark: Don't get me wrong, I am very happy we finally won a game but in my opinion we could and should have lost. We can't defend. Playing out from the back will kill us. Martin has no clue about tactics or substitutions. We will be relegated.

Everton fans:

Nigel: This all hangs on Dyche. He hasn't got it in him to try anything different. He could have tried Calvert-Lewin and Beto together. He could stop playing his favourites (McNeil). He could start our best player, Branthwaite. But he's just stubborn, or hasn't the coaching ability. I'm grateful for his service in keeping us up, but it's time to go!

Peter: Every week we stick with Calvert-Lewin, every week he fails to engage in the team strategy, then we bring on Beto who looks 100% behind the team plan. Beto wants first team football, Calvert-Lewin won't sign a new contract. Am I missing something?

Ed: Dyche has to go, plain and simple. Southampton have beaten us twice. Embarrassing. Our unbeaten run has flattered us and I honestly think anyone could get a better tune out of these players than the current management. Focusing on key decisions is a distraction from the underlying mess. The whole club needs flushing out from top to bottom.

Jim: Very sloppy performance, couldn't keep hold of the ball and no decisive cutting edge in attack. Took off our influential attacker in the second half which is a bit baffling. Everton left the back door open for their winner. Head scratching time.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Solent Sport Editor Adam Blackmore spoke to the 'Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast about Southampton's first Premier League win of the season:

"I was so pleased for everyone in St Mary's. I am pleased for the manager. Although I might have some criticism when they don’t play as I would want them to, I am pleased for him as a person. I think he had the weight of the world on him and he was being targeted by lots of people. I just feel pleased for him, the coaching team and the players because it’s not easy what you go through being in the public spotlight."

Former Southampton player Jo Tessem added: "We have got all the margins going our way this week. You do need a little bit of luck in football but you make the luck. That can be such a season-changing moment for the club and for Russell Martin to have that lift and get away with it, that was really tense. You have to have some luck and that can be so vital.

"You have to break the habit [of losing] and now you have won the game, and you know you can win the game, that's the important thing here.

"We are technically all in the same boat. We want to win games; he wants to win games and the fans want to win games. It’s a very tough league and our aim is to stay alive in the Premier League and we have to remember this.

"How good would it be if we go to Wolves and get another three points? That could be the aim and that’s how you start feeling. When you get feel-good factors it, drives you towards the next game."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Laura Kenyon
Final Score reporter

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You could forgive a side languishing rock bottom of the Premier League, without a win and a solitary point from nine games, if they allowed disharmony and division to creep in.

So, with Saints going into their 10th league game, pressure mounting for points and not just performances, it was almost unusual the signs of unity permeating from within the club. Before the game, players were declaring their love for Russell Martin.

Martin was praising supportive owners. It indicates a culture of unison internally, even if opinions continue to be divided externally.

Yes, there is a long way to go if Southampton are to secure another season in the top flight. But they have a far greater chance of doing so if that culture continues.

The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast has landed, as they relish in Southampton picking up their first win of the season and discuss what made the difference against the Toffees.

There is also post-match reaction from Russell Martin and Aaron Ramsdale.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-1 Brighton

• Wolves 2-2 Crystal Palace

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Southampton manager Russell Martin has been speaking after today's victory:

"It's a big relief, I have happiness, pride and gratitude with the players, the staff, owners and the board. It's been a tough period.

"The guys stuck with it, the way they work, the way they train, they're an amazing group, I love being here and I want to drag it out for as long as I can.

"They (Everton) threw everything at us, they're a good team, a strong team, they're organised and make it difficult. Some of the football we played today was outstanding."

On goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale: "He was massive and I'm surprised he's here still.

"We were able to get him and I'm grateful we did and the support by everyone to get him. It took a long time to court him and persuade him to come, but he did and I hope he's getting as much from it as we are from him because his character is immense. He's got a good voice, trains properly, adds value.

"On the pitch, the save from the one from Michael Keane is a top save, he gives us moments like that and that can be the difference."

Image source, Getty Images

• Southampton have ended a 22-game winless run in the Premier League, with this their first win in the top-flight since March 2023 against Leicester.

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

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The overwhelming feeling as the full-time whistle blew at St Mary's was one of relief - and now Russell Martin will hope the confidence this breakthrough victory should bring can kick-start Saints' season.

Praise from Pep Guardiola is all well and good, but the pressure to translate pleasing football in to points was increasing after Saints equalled their longest winless run from the beginning of a league campaign with defeat at the champions last week.

The end of a 22-game winless run in the Premier League. A first win in the top-flight since March 2023. Off the bottom of the table.

This will undoubtedly feel like a significant weight lifted as Southampton aim to mount a meaningful survival challenge following promotion, with another key meeting to come against Wolves next week.

Martin will believe this result shows his decision to persevere with his principles in the face of adversity is beginning to bear fruit, and can lead to the club achieving its target this season.

But now his side must back it up to build momentum before the international break, following which they face Liverpool, Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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What did you make of Everton’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies