Aston Villa’s push for a top-five finish gained further momentum as they beat already-relegated Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s.
Within 15 minutes of their second-half introductions, Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen sealed a fifth win in six games for Unai Emery’s side, shortly after Marco Asensio’s penalty was saved by Aaron Ramsdale.
Asensio’s second penalty in second-half stoppage time was also saved, but fellow substitute John McGinn tucked away the rebound to add the gloss.
Villa climb to fifth with six games remaining, one point behind Manchester City in fourth and three behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.
Relegation last weekend after defeat to Spurs left Southampton with one main aim for the remainder of the season: beat Derby’s worst-ever Premier League points return of 11.
Even with the element of pressure brought by trying beat the drop out of the equation, they almost went behind twice inside the first two minutes of the game, with Marcus Rashford and Ian Maatsen going close.
Saints soon sat back into a low block and frustrated their visitors, who were dominant in terms of possession and volume of shots, but recorded just 0.65 xG in the first half.
In fact, Southampton arguably had the better chances, which both came from Kyle Walker-Peters crosses. Cameron Archer beat Tyrone Mings for pace and forced Emi Martinez to bat away at the near post, before Paul Onuachu headed into the side netting at the far post.
Shortly after the hour, Unai Emery brought on Watkins and Malen, which changed the game.
Watkins first drew a foul from Jan Bednarek and won a penalty. But though Asensio’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved, St Mary’s was quietened when the England international stuck out a leg to guide Tielemans’ long ball forward beyond Ramsdale.
Malen had the freedom of the south coast to fire home less than five minutes later, which sparked a mass exodus by the home fans that has become commonplace in recent months.
Referee Thomas Bramall pointed to the spot late on when Jack Stephens caught McGinn in the box, and though Asensio was denied again after a weak effort, McGinn was on hand to finish the job.
Rusk ‘saddened’ by defeat
Southampton interim manager Simon Rusk:
“I thought there was a lot of grit to it in the first 60 to 70 minutes of the game. The first goal was 73 minutes, against a top team, with the ability to affect the game from the bench.
“We knew there were going to be moments today where we had to suffer without the ball a little bit. That was part of the plan and I think we can be really pleased with lots of that; the blocks, the level of passion around the defending and the ability to deal with a set-pieces. From that point of view, there’s lots we can be pleased with.
“We’re really disappointed with the quick goals that take us 3-0 down, but we have to respect the opponent. We have to respect a team in the Champions League quarter-finals coming here and we have to respect where we’re at in this moment and respond to that.
“Really disappointed with the outcome in the end and saddened for the players because I think they’ve given everything. We have to use what was good about it and improve the other bits and move into next week.”
Emery to mull Villa penalty takers after Asensio’s double miss
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery:
“We have our penalty shooters. The first one is Marcus Rashford, the second is Marco Asensio, the third is Youri Tielemans, John McGinn or Ollie Watkins.
“Marco decided to take the second because the first one he failed, it was revenge for him. He missed it. We have to accept it and of course now we are going to decide for the next match.
“We are trying to set clear our demands and our way to achieve it. I think they did a fantastic job from minute one to minute 90.
“We played serious, we followed the game plan, respected them a lot. I am very happy. This is our challenge, our momentum and we have to be so focused in everything we are doing and to get everything we demand.
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