EPL: Southampton Stun United As Leicester Go Top
Southampton Striker Charlie Austin Celebrates his goal[/caption]
A late header by Southampton debutant Charlie Austin gave the Saints’ a 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday afternoon to ensure Ronald Koeman’s men made it back-to-back 1-0 wins at Old Trafford.
Austin came off the bench late on in the game as the former QPR man headed home in the 87th minute, to inflict on the Red Devils a second home defeat of the season, piling more pressure on beleaguered Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
United supporters once again vented their anger towards Van Gaal after watching their team put on yet another dull, uninspiring performance at Old Trafford, which left them five points off the Champions League places.
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The home faithful did not hold back displeasure as their side failed to score before halftime for an 11th consecutive home game, and an initial upsurge in urgency at the break, sparked by the introduction of Juan Mata, failed to yield anything more menacing than a couple of penalty-box skirmishes.
There was no doubt who the home supporters blamed for this latest insipid display. Van Gaal was jeered at as he walked down the tunnel. The message was clear, he is no longer wanted by some of them.
The result which ended United’s five match unbeaten run, means Van Gaal, who suggested after last week’s win at Liverpool, that his side still play a part in the Premier League title race, will now have to revise his statement.
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Southampton moved up to eighth, having claimed three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Surprise package, Leicester City returned to the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable 3-0 win over Stoke at the King Power Stadium.
Danny Drinkwater put the Foxes ahead just before half-time and second-half goals from Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa sealed the win.
Earlier in the day, Adam Lallana struck in the 95th minute to ensure Liverpool edged a nine-goal thriller by beating Norwich City 5-4 at Carrow Road.
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In the other results of the day, Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-1, Watford defeated Newcastle 2-1 and Bournemouth held Sunderland to a 1-1 draw.
