Southampton hit four goals in a Premier League game for the first time this season as they thrashed Brentford 4-1 at St Mary’s.
In a game that was originally postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Brentford squad, Southampton wasted no time, going ahead inside five minutes as Jan Bednarek found space at the near post to glance James Ward-Prowse’s corner into the far corner from close range.
Brentford struggled to get going as Southampton continued to pin them back, but Thomas Frank’s side did find an equaliser in the 23rd minute courtesy of their first attempt on goal in the match. Bryan Mbeumo did brilliantly to dig out a cross and it was met with a fine volley from Vitaly Janelt to beat Fraser Forster.
In an action-packed first half, Saints restored their advantage eight minutes before half-time following an unfortunate own goal from Bees goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez. Ibrahima Diallo’s low shot rebounded off the upright before hitting the Brentford goalkeepers hand and nestling in the back of the net.
After the break, there was no stopping the hosts as Armando Broja stretched Southampton’s lead with a breakaway goal just four minutes into the second half. The Chelsea loanee raced clear from halfway following Oriol Romeu’s exquisite through ball before calmly beating Fernandez.
The hosts were now enjoying themselves as the club’s new owners – Sport Republic founders Dragan Solak and Henrik Kraft – watched on, and they put the finishing touch on an impressive victory when substitute Che Adams lifted the ball beyond Fernandez.
Victory sees Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, who are now unbeaten in four league matches, move above Brentford and into 11th in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, it was a poor night for Frank and his side as the heavy defeat sees them move down to 13th.
Full report to follow…
What’s next?
Southampton travel to face Wolves at Molineux in the Premier League on Saturday; kick-off 3pm. Brentford visit Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday at 2pm.
Source : Sky Sports
