Finn Azaz puts dominant Southampton ahead at Stoke City | OneFootball

Finn Azaz gave Southampton a 1-0 lead at Stoke City, finishing a slick move as Tonda Eckert's side dominated the first half.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Eckert made two changes from the Fratton Park line-up, Ross Stewart replacing Adam Armstrong up front and Tom Fellows starting ahead of Kuryu Matsuki.

Jack Stephens produced an early sliding challenge on Sorba Thomas before Léo Scienza passed up a couple of openings. The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute when Taylor Harwood-Bellis threaded a low ball in behind for Fellows, whose cross left Azaz a simple finish.

Daniel Peretz almost gifted Stoke an equaliser with a miskicked clearance on the edge of his box, but he recovered to regain possession. The goalkeeper then redeemed himself further, springing left to tip away Bae Jun-Ho's rising strike towards the top right corner.

Southampton appeals for two penalties were waved away. Stephens was clearly held by Maksym Talovierov as he attacked a Scienza corner, then Azaz went down under Ashley Phillips' challenge on the half hour, only for referee Farai Hallam to book him for simulation.

The visitors controlled the remainder of the half and looked the superior side.

Source: Sainstmarching.com