ASTON VILLA DENIED high-flying Southampton a sixth Premier League win on the bounce with a workmanlike performance in front of a sparsely populated Villa Park Monday evening.
After a relatively dull opening half hour, the home sided were gifted the lead when Gabriel Agbonlahor chased a hopeful punt out of defence.
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster raced out of his goal to reach the ball but the Villa striker beat him to it and slotted home comfortably.
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The visitors were disappointing, offering none of the swagger that saw them deservedly into second place in the Premier League this season.
Their lack of va-va-voom could, perhaps, be explained by an absence of travelling support with high ticket prices said to be to blame.
This is the result when you ask away fans to pay £41 for a game 140 miles away. pic.twitter.com/ydFw6XGuUT
Andreas Weimann wasted a golden chance to seal the points with 12 minutes left when he broke from Southampton’s corner.
The Villa forward found Agbonlahor and received the return pass in clear sight of goal, but could only blaze over from 12 yards.
Southampton would make them pay the price when, nine minutes from time, Nathaniel Clyne’s fine strike levelled things up.
The England defender struck following Ryan Bertrand’s pull-back to fire home his third goal of the season and earn the Saints a point as they look to stay in touch with league leaders Chelsea.
Southampton denied the joy of six wins in a row by stubborn Villa
ASTON VILLA DENIED high-flying Southampton a sixth Premier League win on the bounce with a workmanlike performance in front of a sparsely populated Villa Park Monday evening.
After a relatively dull opening half hour, the home sided were gifted the lead when Gabriel Agbonlahor chased a hopeful punt out of defence.
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster raced out of his goal to reach the ball but the Villa striker beat him to it and slotted home comfortably.
The visitors were disappointing, offering none of the swagger that saw them deservedly into second place in the Premier League this season.
Their lack of va-va-voom could, perhaps, be explained by an absence of travelling support with high ticket prices said to be to blame.
Andreas Weimann wasted a golden chance to seal the points with 12 minutes left when he broke from Southampton’s corner.
The Villa forward found Agbonlahor and received the return pass in clear sight of goal, but could only blaze over from 12 yards.
Southampton would make them pay the price when, nine minutes from time, Nathaniel Clyne’s fine strike levelled things up.
The England defender struck following Ryan Bertrand’s pull-back to fire home his third goal of the season and earn the Saints a point as they look to stay in touch with league leaders Chelsea.
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