Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton LIVE: Premier League ...
A general view of Molineux (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as Wolverhampton Wanderers face Southampton today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 2 - 0 Southampton FC
16:39
That was Strand Larsen's last involvement in the game as he is replaced by Guedes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:37
Corner for Southampton as the incoming free-kick takes a last touch off Strand Larsen and goes behind. The corner is easily cleared away and Wolves survive. There was a brief VAR check for a hand ball by Strand Larsen, but there was not much in it.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:34
Wolves are preparing to make another substitution. Southampton regain possession and try to break a very deep-sitting Wolves set-up. The Saints earn another free-kick as Dibling goes down again down the right flank.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:33
Sa is still receiving treatment on his left shoulder. Meanwhile, the Southampton players are getting instructions from their manager with time running out. A couple of minutes later, Sa is up and he will continue.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:29
Dibling earns a free-kick centrally after being fouled by Ait-Nouri. Sa does well to advance and punch the incoming free-kick away but he is down injured after clashing with a couple of players.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:28
Southampton's tempo from the first half is nowhere to be seen. Dibling and Aribo combine and almost create another Saints chance, but Wolves do well to clear their lines and launch a counter-attack of their own. Cunha carries it for almost 40 yards and tries to find Gomes, whose attempt is blocked.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:25
Dibling cuts inside on his left foot from the right corner of the box and attempts a shot from just inside the box. But his shot is quite high and well off target, much to the home crowd's pleasure.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:25
Sugawara also comes on, replacing Stephens, with the Saints recognising something needs to change right away if they are to get something out of this game.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:25
More changes from Southampton as Ugochukwu replaces playmaker Lallana.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:24
Wolves are pressing high and looking for another goal here. Much better intensity from the hosts and they can sense another golden opportunity here to put this game to bed.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:23
Southampton are rattled now and are making a few fumbles in defence. Thankfully for them, Wolves are unable to capitalise after earning back possession. Wolves have come out swinging in the second half, unlike the way they played for the most part of the first half.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:21
Cunha has scored his fifth goal of the Premier League this season, more than any other Wolves player. Meanwhile, Southampton earn a free-kick down the right flank and the delivery is not at all threatening.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:16
Yellow Card Aaron Christopher Ramsdale
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:14
Goal Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:14
Ait-Nouri gets the ball and skips into space inside the box. He launches a shot off his left foot, but it is blocked. Soon after, Gomes receives the ball on the edge of the box and his low effort towards the bottom corner is collected easily by a diving Ramsdale.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:13
Southampton start the second half in control of the ball yet again. The continue to switch play quickly and with ease and Wolves are scrambling here. Armstrong finally releases a shot and crosses the ball into the box from the left, but it falls straight into Sa's hands.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:08
We are back underway at Molineux as hosts Wolves get things going in the second half. Both teams are making half-time substitutions here.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:07
Substitution Pablo Sarabia García Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:07
Substitution Ryan Phelim Manning Tyler-Jay Robert Dibling
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:04
Wolves lead the expected goals (xG) charts with 1.00 to Southampton's 0.44 so far in this game. The Saints had 71% possession in the first half and as many as 31 final third entries to only nine from Wolves. The hosts sat very deep in the first half, looking to produce something on the counter. Let's see if they keep up with that tactic, especially if Southampton come all guns blazing in the second half. It sure does seem like there are more goals in this one. Stay tuned for the second half.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton16:00
Wolves will feel very fortunate going into half-time with the lead. To their credit, they started on the front foot in the very early minutes of the game, and pounced on an opportunity in the second minute of the first half, courtesy of some brilliant play by Cunha down the left and a calm finish by Sarabia. Southampton dominated the ball for the most part of the opening 45 minutes, but wasted a host of chances, failing to register a single shot on target despite six attempts. However, they are probably feeling undone by a controversial disallowed goal by VAR after Manning smashed the ball into the top corner early in the half. Cunha has been the most impressive player on the pitch so far and he could do more damage to the Saints if they do not come up with a plan to stop him.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:55
HALF-TIME: WOLVES 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:55
Sarabia draws a foul from Aribo after some more dominance on the ball by the Saints and it looks like Wolves will go into half-time with the lead.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:51
Cunha with another rapid run down the left flank, but his attempted pass into the centre of the box is blocked and then collected by Ramsdale. Cunha has been impressive and Southampton will need to work out a plan to keep him at bay going forward.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:50
Six minutes of stoppage time will see of the first half. Meanwhile, Lallana is down for a bit after going down in midfield. However, Southampton do have a free-kick from a decent position, about 30 yards out. Fernandes' left-footed attempt towards the top-left corner of the goal is very weak and well wide of the target.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:48
Strand-Larsen plays a pass into no man's land down the right just outside the box. He thought Lemina was making a run alongside him, but Lemina stopped for some reason. Southampton earn back the ball once again owing to a weak ball from a Wolves player.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:48
Southampton have not had a shot on target so far in this game despite getting away five shots on goal to Wolves' three. Meanwhile, Wolves launch an attack down the right and a lovely pass from Sarabia finds Cunha, who is unable to get a shot away centrally inside the box. Strong defending from Southampton as a couple of defenders crowded Cunha.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:43
Fernandes' attempt from the edge of the box is blocked by Dawson for another Southampton corner. The incoming corner-kick from the left is a good one and Harwood-Bellis, who was free and unmarked, makes contact with a header, but his attempt is a poor one and well off target. Another good opportunity for the Saints goes begging.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:42
Wolves' counter-attack down the right is dealt with well by the Saints, before the visitors launch an attack of their own. Southampton have had 72% possession so far and must be frustrated that the scoreline still reads 1-0 in Wolves' favour.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:39
Cunha is pulled back for a foul on Walker-Peters after Gomes again lost possession cheaply in the middle of the pitch. The free-kick into the box is cleared away comfortably by the Wolves defenders but Southampton regroup to earn a corner as a Lallana ball into the box finds a Southampton head before being deflected behind for a corner. Wolves clear the corner without much fuss.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:35
There is a brief pause in play here as Sa is being treated by the medics, due to what seems like a hamstring injury. The good news for Wolves is that he has decided to continue after a brief treatment. The last thing they would want is another injury.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:34
The referee warns Sarabia as he seemingly steps on Manning's hand as the Southampton player was picking the ball up for a throw-in down the touchline. Sarabia is unhappy with that and claims he did not make any contact with Manning. Boos from the Wolves faithful.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:33
Southampton are playing some good attacking football here, switching play quickly and trying to work something in attack. However, they haven't been able to find that special moment in the final third since that disallowed goal. Despite Wolves' 1-0 lead, the hosts look a bit rattled here.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:32
Semedo commits to a challenge on Manning off a poor pass from Gomes. As a result, he runs into Manning and is pulled back for the foul. Manning is in a bit of pain before carrying on, while Semedo is warned by the referee. Southampton regain possession and play it at the back for a while, much to the home crowd's displeasure.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:32
It looked like Ait-Nouri would run with it and create another Wolves move down the left. He had the space. But for some reason, he passes it behind and that potential move amounts to nothing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:25
Harwood-Bellis is the first player to be booked for a foul on Cunha as the Wolves player went on another rapid run down the left after a brilliant first touch to take the ball past Harwood-Bellis.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:24
Strand Larsen and Manning both go down after a clash in the middle part of the pitch and the Wolves striker stays down for a minute or so before getting up and carrying on.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:23
Southampton have had as much as 68% possession so far in this match, but have definitely not had any luck on their side. They continue to dominate the possession but Wolves earn the ball back with a couple of weak passes in midfield from the Saints.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:22
Southampton have scored just seven goals in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other side. Indeed, the Saints have scored more goals in their three EFL Cup matches this term (9) than they have in their 10 league games.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:22
That moment will be debated for a long time it seems as it was controversial. Meanwhile, Wolves make another move down the left and Cunha fires one in, but Southampton do well to clear their lines after blocking two back-to-back shots from Cunha and Lemina, respectively.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:17
GOAL DISALLOWED! Southampton have a goal ruled out by VAR and Wolves survive! Wow, so much drama!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:13
Wolves have conceded a league-high 27 Premier League goals this season. Southampton might thus not panic much just yet. Let's see if the home team can turn things around today.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:13
Goal Ryan Phelim Manning
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:12
It's a corner for Southampton and Lallana chips one to the back post, but it is cleared away for another corner. Armstrong gets the ball on the edge of the box off the second corner, and is effort from there is a good one but just wide of the target. A good response from the visitors.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:09
Wolves' win probability has jumped to a resounding 68.6% after that goal, as per Opta's Live Win Probability model. The fans inside Molineux are absolutely buzzing at the moment. They are in control after that goal, but Sarabia is off the pitch temporarily due to some sort of injury.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:04
Assist Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:03
Goal Pablo Sarabia García
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:02
KICK-OFF! We are underway in this clash at Molineux as visitors Southampton get the ball rolling. The last time these two sides faced each other was in February 2023 with Wolves securing a 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium. Gomes, who scored against Crystal Palace last weekend, also scored the winner in that game. Can he do it again in today’s clash?
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton15:00
The teams are making their way out to the pitch, the managers and players are ready, and so are the fans who have turned up in huge numbers! Wolves have won their last five games against Southampton, all in the Premier League, including two at this very venue. More of the same today or can the Saints turn the tables? Let's find out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:54
Southampton are unchanged for this game after securing their first league win of the season, beating Everton last weekend. Lallana is fit to start and retains the central midfield spot, while Armstrong, who scored the winner against Everton, starts up front alongside Archer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:54
Wolves have made just the solitary change to their starting XI for this game, following on from their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. Lemina is back in the XI in central midfield as Doyle drops to the bench.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:49
SUBS: Alex McCarthy, Joe Aribo, James Bree, Yukinari Sugawara, Ben Brereton, Lesley Ugochukwu, Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Paul Onuachu, Tyler Dibling.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:49
SOUTHAMPTON (3-5-2): Aaron Ramsdale; Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis; Ryan Manning, Kyle Walker-Peters, Mateus Fernandes, Adam Lallana, Flynn Downes; Adam Armstrong, Cameron Archer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:49
SUBS: Matt Doherty, Andre, Rodrigo Gomes, Tommy Doyle, Carlos Forbs, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Goncalo Guedes, Sam Johnstone, Alfie Pond.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:44
WOLVES (4-3-2-1): Jose Sa; Toti Gomes, Craig Dawson, Santiago Bueno, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina, Nelson Semedo; Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia; Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:38
While Wolves could not hold onto a lead last weekend to remain winless in the league this season, Southampton registered their first win in a season that has seen them lose eight games already, clinging onto Adam Armstrong’s 85-minute goal against Everton at St. Mary’s. Victory did not come without some very nervous moments right at the end as Everton striker Beto scored the equaliser, only for VAR to disallow the goal for offside. Southampton now have a golden opportunity to climb further up the table with a win against a team struggling just as much as they are, if not more. The Saints have only one win in 22 top-flight matches and Russell Martin’s side have also lost eight games in a row on the road. In fact, they are one of only two teams that have not earned a single point away from home so far this season. Adam Lallana was withdrawn at half-time against Everton due to a groin injury and Southampton were sweating over his availability in the build-up to today’s game, while Ryan Fraser is also out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:38
Time is running out for Gary O’Neil in a bid to keep his job at Wolves as his team is still winless, 10 games into the Premier League season. There probably won’t be a better opportunity to break the shackles than today’s game, with Wolves hosting Southampton, another team desperate for points and only a point above bottom-placed Wolves in the league table. O’Neil’s men came close to victory in their previous game, racing to a 2-1 lead after conceding first against Crystal Palace, before Marc Guehi’s 77th-minute equaliser led to Wolves’ third draw in 10 games. Wolves enter this game on the back of consecutive 2-2 draws (Brighton and Crystal Palace) after losing six straight games before that across competitions. A list of multiple long-term injury absentees does them no favours and Hwang Hee-chan (ankle injury) is also a doubtful presence in the team before the international break. Jose Sa is expected to retain his place in goal, at least for now.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton14:33
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League clash between Wolves and Southampton at Molineux.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
