Decisive figure lifts Southampton with free-kick and late assist | OneFootball

Ryan Manning bent in a free-kick in the 58th minute to tilt Southampton's momentum in a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town. The defender later set up the second to complete the home fightback.

The Saints' left back struck from the set piece to cancel out the opener, his technique and timing changing the flow after the restart. His delivery remained the outlet as the game stretched.

He then supplied the cut-back for the winner's finish (80.), arriving from the left to pick the pass that Ipswich could not cut out. That contribution capped a driving second half.

Manning finished with a goal and an assist, three key passes, and four accurate crosses from nine, underlining how his service from wide pinned the Tractor Boys deep. He also won five duels in his own half to keep transitions tidy.

The Saints funnelled attacks down his flank and recycled quickly after turnovers, so Manning repeatedly received in space to deliver early. That kept the Tractor Boys' back line retreating and opened the box for decisive runs.

Saints visit Preston North End next. The Tractor Boys host Queens Park Rangers.