REPORT: Southampton suffer 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton

Southampton’s run of league defeats extend to a club-record six straight after they dropped a 2-1 decision to Wolverhampton on Sunday.

Danny Ings’ goal on Thursday in the FA Cup looked to lift the spirits of the striker, who scored a stunning volley on 25 minutes to give Saints a 1-0 lead.

Stuart Armstrong had cut down the left side before placing an inch perfect cross for Ings to swing his right-foot through to beat a flat-footed Rui Patricio into the side netting.

But the hosts couldn’t add to their tally before the break, which would have proved vital for a club struggling for form in the Premier League.

Wolves then started the second half much brighter with a flurry of possession and were awarded a fortunate penalty in the 53rd minute when Ryan Bertrand had the ball smashed at him from close range, striking his arm in the process.

Rueben Neves would convert from the spot sending Alex McCarthy the opposite direction to draw Wolves level.

Saints looked for an immediate response, but were thwarted after Armstrong’s goal-bound effort was deflected behind for a corner-kick.

But Pedro Neto made it 2-1 to Wolves in the 66th minute with his first goal in 14 games after a sensational individual where he turned Jannik Vestergaard inside out before firing into the far side netting.

Saints void of confidence were pressed back into their own half, despite chasing the game and mustered their best chance when James Ward-Prowse forced a save from distance while Che Adams couldn’t put away the rebound.

Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy; Bertrand, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Walker-Peters (Salisu 72); Minamino (Djenepo 62), Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong; Redmond (Adams 69), Ings

Unused subs: Forster, Stephens, N’Lundulu, Tella, Watts, Chauke

Goals: Ings (25)

Bookings: Romeu (17), Bednarek (61)

Wolverhampton (3-4-3): Rui Patricio; Saiss, Coady, Dendoncker; Jonny (Marcal 69), Moutinho, Neves, Semedo; Neto (Kilman 90+3), Willian (Fabio Silva 89), Traore

Unused subs: Ruddy (GK), Gibbs-White, Ait-Nouri, Hoever, Vitinha, Otasowie

Goals: Neves (53 PEN), Neto (66)

Bookings: Saiss (54), Neto (90)