Unbeaten thus far in the 2023/24 EFL Championship, Southampton welcomed QPR to St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. A late winner for Saints against Plymouth Argyle last weekend came courtesy of Che Adams, but the forward was left out of the side for this clash as rumours continue to swirl regarding his future at the club.
SOU: Bazunu; Manning, Stephens, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Stuart Armstrong, Charles, Alcaraz; Edozie, A Armstrong, Amo-Ameyaw
QPR: Begovic; Paal, Fox, Cook, Kakay; Colback, Field, Dozzell; Chair, Sinclair Armstrong, Smyth
The home faithful were rewarded for their patience after a relatively dull opening half-hour at St Mary’s, with Edozie netting his first goal for the Saints. Creeping a shot under Begovic, the 20-year-old watched his effort nestle into the top corner before wheeling away in euphoric celebration.
The goal had certainly sparked the game into life, and it was merely a matter of minutes before QPR levelled the game through Colback. His low strike fizzled past Bazunu, deflecting off the post and over the line – and his celebrations were also a sight to behold as he opens his account for the Hoops.
Adam Armstrong was called upon with twenty-five minutes still to play, and the forward made no mistake as he catapulted the Saints into the lead once more by beating Begovic. The visitors were unable to find a response, allowing Southampton to pick up all three points on the South Coast ahead of their trip to Sunderland next Saturday. QPR will travel to Middlesbrough.
