Southampton defeated by Burnley’s late goal

Maya Yoshida was left sprawled on the ground whilst Sam Vokes wheeled away in celebration seemingly before Fraser Forster had even reacted to the ball hitting the back of his net.

It was late, and it condemned Southampton to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Burnley at St Mary’s.

Southampton has managed time and time again to find a way to re-write the same story this season, as they fell victim to Burnley’s game plan, which gifted the hosts a lion’s share of the possession.

Nathan Redmond and Yoshida were each denied clear chances either side of the break, before Vokes and Ashley Barnes changed Burnley’s fortunes just after the hour mark.

Despite sitting 11th in the Premier League, Saints have struck just nine times in 11 games and looked unlikely to pinch what would’ve been a vital goal for Mauricio Pellegrino.

A first-half void of any excitement was given an injection in the final 10 minutes when Sofiane Boufal saw his half-volleyed effort palmed away after the ball had run across the box.

Redmond, who had returned to the starting line-up, then nearly put Saints ahead, but Nick Pope was equal to the low right-footed shot on half-time.

Yoshida’s search for a spectacular goal came and went, as the defender twisted in the box following a poor clearance only to see his dipping volley pushed aside at the last second.

Steven Davis then fired high and wide with his left foot after turning former Saints man Jack Cork inside out at the edge of the box.

Southampton’s frustrations, however, boiled over as Vokes directed Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s inswinging cross into the bottom corner, taking with it all the air inside St Mary’s.

Southampton: Forster, Bertrand, Yoshida, Van Dijk, Cedric, Romeu, Davis, Tadic (Long 76), Redmond, Boufal (Ward-Prowse 90), Gabbiadini (Austin 65).

Unused subs: McCarthy (GK), Hoedt, McQueen, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Austin, Long.

Goals: None.

Bookings: None.

Burnley: Pope, Ward, Mee, Tarkowsi, Lowton, Brady, Defour, Hendrick (Barnes 65), Cork, Gudmundsson, Wood (Vokes 65).

Unused subs: Lindegaard (GK), Afrield, Barnes, Westwood, Long, Vokes, Bardsley.

Goals: Vokes (81).

Bookings: None.