Standout star sets tone for Southampton with early breakthrough | OneFootball

Finn Azaz struck in the 10th minute, a close-range finish that put Southampton on course for a 2-0 win at Stoke City.

The midfielder ghosted into the six-yard area to guide a left-footed effort into the bottom corner after Tom Fellows' pass had prised Stoke's defence open. That early strike gave Saints control.

Azaz kept asking questions before the interval, twice seeing efforts blocked from the edge of the box (38.) (42.) as Saints capitalised on second balls and sustained pressure down the right.

He finished with four attempts, one on target, and completed 32 of 38 passes. He also won possession five times and made 11 successful passes in the final third, underscoring how his movement between the lines kept Stoke pinned back.

Because Saints' midfield pressed high and compacted space around the ball, Azaz could receive on the half turn and draw fouls, winning the ball in the attacking third twice to keep Stoke defending their area.

Saints climb from 15th to 12th in the Championship. They host Watford next, while Stoke City visit West Bromwich Albion.