Southampton miss chance to go third

Southampton missed the chance to go third in the Premier League as Theo Walcott’s first goal since rejoining the club was only enough for a draw at Wolves.

However, Pedro Neto levelled for the hosts 15 minutes from time, following up Raul Jimenez’s low drive after it came back off the left post.

Southampton remain fifth, while Wolves move up three places to ninth.

Wolves frustrate despite comeback

With captain Conor Coady’s ever-present run of 84 Premier League games coming to an end – the defender is in isolation after coming into contact with someone with Covid-19 – Wolves deployed an unfamiliar flat back four.

The centre-back partnership of Max Kilman and Willy Boly provided Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with a relatively solid base as the visitors initially controlled proceedings.

They were also well shielded by Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker, the former making the most clearances (four) and the latter covering the most ground of any home player (11.12km).

But for all those admirable qualities, there was a distinct lack of incisiveness to their attacking play until they fell behind.

While Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy did well to save parry Nelson Semedo’s long-range effort and Dendoncker’s follow-up attempt early on, he was largely untroubled until the hosts had to respond to falling behind.

Jimenez, who had been isolated and had the lowest number of touches of any outfield home player to start the game, slowly became more involved.

And it was his stinging drive that led to the equaliser, while goalscorer Neto and Daniel Podence all carved out good openings in the second period.

The biggest frustration for Nuno and Wolves fans is likely to be that their charge came too late.

More to follow.