Southampton 1-0 Sheffield United: Welington leads Saints’ response with late Peretz save | OneFootball

Southampton returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, Léo Scienza’s early effort going in via Oliver Arblaster. Welington impressed throughout and took player of the match, while Daniel Peretz produced a vital late save.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Tonda Eckert made four changes and moved to a 4-2-3-1. Elias Jelert and Welington started at full-back, Jack Stephens joined Taylor Harwood-Bellis in central defence, and Ross Stewart was preferred to Adam Armstrong.

Scienza struck after seven minutes and Southampton led 1-0 at the break. Tom Fellows was aggrieved not to win a penalty before half-time.

United threatened soon after the restart but Jelert blocked a close-range effort. Michael Cooper then denied a Scienza header just after the hour, and substitute Armstrong, fed by Finn Azaz, later picked out Scienza at the back post, only for the keeper to save again.

A late mix-up between Harwood-Bellis and Jelert nearly proved costly, yet Peretz blocked Patrick Bamford with his left leg to seal the points. The goalkeeper had endured uncertain moments earlier, but his stop preserved the clean sheet.

Downes and Jander patrolled midfield effectively, Stewart linked play before Armstrong’s introduction, and Azaz was involved in much of Southampton’s best work. Welington’s pace and timing were evident in the move for the opener, and he was replaced by Ryan Manning late on. Azaz later made way for Shea Charles with 10 minutes left.

Source: Sainstmarching.com