Five things learnt from Southampton’s 3-1 victory against Stoke City | OneFootball

Relief swept around St Mary’s as Southampton claimed their first Championship win of the season, beating Stoke City 3-1 to move to minus one point after their Spygate deduction.

Sainstmarching.com highlights five takeaways from the win. A scrappy first half ended 1-1, before Saints controlled the second period and finally forced a late breakthrough.

Substitute Divin Mubama, introduced at 1-1 to chase a winner, latched onto Finn Azaz’s pass and finished with his left foot, celebrating in front of the Northam. He could be in line for a first start in a two-game week against West Ham United and Millwall.

Head coach Tonda Eckert kept celebrations muted at full-time, staying back to watch his players. The German remains under FA investigation over his involvement in Spygate, which ended Southampton’s season early, and will hope to clear his name before sharing in the acclaim.

Sam Edozie has backed up his pledge to be ready with lively cameos. He won the penalty that made it 3-1 and impressed, and could start against West Ham in the League Cup as he pushes for a Millwall berth.

Fan favourite Leo Scienza endured a difficult afternoon, often doubled up by Stoke players. He took a couple of heavy knocks and played on with a shoulder problem, and suggestions he was disinterested do not stack up.

Southampton could end next week in positive figures and possibly out of the relegation zone if they overcome Millwall. First comes West Ham United in the League Cup, with the visitors struggling to make life in the second tier work for them, and their only win so far coming in the cup against Portsmouth.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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