Southampton 2-3 Wolves: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Wolves Complete Fantastic Comeback Win

Wolves secured their first win in six games with a stunning comeback away at an in-form Southampton side on Saturday afternoon.

Wolves started the better of the two sides but Southampton still took the lead after the visitors failed to clear from a corner. Polish defender Jan Bednarek was left free at the back post and tucked home from a sweet free-kick from James Ward-Prowse. 

Southampton managed to double their lead prior to the half-time whistle when Shane Long glanced a lovely header past Patricio after a great cross from Cédric.

The Saints almost extended their lead to three as Long hit the post, but he was made to pay for this miss as Pedro Neto controlled the ball on his chest and fired home past Alex McCarthy ten minutes after the break. 

​Wolves then drew level when Raul Jimenez tucked home from the penalty spot following a silly challenge by Jack Stephens on Wolves fullback Jonny. 

And then, the comeback was complete when Raul Jimenez bagged a second goal to make it 3-2 after a great counter-attack led by the scintillating Adama Traore. Six minutes of added time couldn't provide Southampton with an equaliser and Wolves left St Mary's with a fantastic comeback win.

​Here's 90min's review of the game.

SOUTHAMPTON

Key Talking Point

​Southampton came into this game on a string of results that had seen them rise away from the relegation zone and into safety. ​They will not want to watch their second-half performance back.

They were simply torn apart by Wolves' front three in the second half and Ralph Hasenhüttl will be wondering what quite happened to his side in the second half. 

The Saints completely collapsed - and their fans will be hoping that this end to their good form won't be an indication of what will happen in the coming weeks.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: McCarthy (5); Cédric (7), Stephens (5), Bednarek (6), Bertrand (5); Armstrong (5), Ward-Prowse (7), Hojbjerg (6), Redmond (7); Long (7*), Ings (6)

Substitutes: Adams (6), Djenepo (7), Boufal (6)

Star Player​

If this was a review of just the second half, then Southampton wouldn't have a star player. However, Shane Long was their best player today and topped it off with a goal.

His classy header following some good work from Cédric down the right was the type that you wouldn't expect from a striker that hadn't scored in 19 Premier League games.

He faded in the second half, but in truth, the whole of Southampton's starting lineup faded in the second 45.

WOLVES

Key Talking Point

Wolves have had a torrid start to 2020 and are without a win in five games in all competitions including no wins in their last three ​Premier League games. ​

But, this is just the result they needed to revive their season. Nuno Espirito Santo would've kicked them into gear during his half time talk. They looked like a completely different side in the second half.

If they are to continue this type of form and can take these three points forward with them then they can easily push for the top seven.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Patricio (6); Dendoncker (7), Coady (6), Saiss (5); Doherty (6), Moutinho (6), Neves (7), Jonny (7); Traore (9*), Jimenez (8), Neto (8)

Substitutes: Kilman (N/A)

Star Player

Many have been singing the praises of Adama Traore after some impressive performances for Wolves this season. And this one might be the best one yet.

He completely ran the show in the second half and provided two superb assists for the first and third goals. His pace and power was a constant menace for Southampton and were simply unable to deal with it.

Wolves' front three, in general, were impossible to contain and showed their ability in this comeback win for Nuno's side.

Looking Ahead​

Southampton travel to London to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday night going in search of a reaction following this collapse.

Meanwhile, Wolves host league leaders Liverpool looking to secure back to back league wins and cause an upset.