Southampton lose in Jones’ first home league game

Adam Lallana scored against his former club as Brighton dealt Southampton boss Nathan Jones a 3-1 defeat on his first Premier League home game in charge at St Mary’s Stadium.

Solly March then added a third for the Seagulls in the second half, thumping a shot into the top corner from 20 yards out that Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had no chance of saving.

A penalty was awarded to Southampton in the 73rd minute after Samuel Edozie ran into Pascal Gross inside the area, and while Sanchez saved James Ward-Prowse’s initial effort, he could not keep out the headed rebound by the home skipper.

Southampton had come into the game on the back of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup fourth round and they caused Brighton early problems when Moussa Djenepo’s cross was diverted out before a Ward-Prowse corner was punched to safety by Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The optimism faded, however, after Lallana found March out wide on the right and continued his run into the box, meeting the winger’s cross and guiding his header past Bazunu in the 14th minute.

Southampton fell further behind when Pervis Estupinan sent a low ball across goal to create panic in the Saints defence. Perraud got there before March but the French defender could not adjust his feet and put the ball into his own net.

Saints are now bottom of the table after Wolves grabbed a late winner against Everton, while Brighton move up to sixth before seventh-placed Liverpool take on Aston Villa at 17:30 GMT.

Are Saints heading for relegation?

Nathan Jones took over at St Mary’s in November following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl and after losing his first game in charge against Liverpool before the World Cup break, the 49-year-old’s task has become even more difficult with this defeat.

His side have now lost four consecutive games in the top flight and never looked like picking up a much-needed three points against Roberto de Zerbi’s side.

Southampton did see chances for Mohamed Elyounoussi and Samuel Edozie, plus a Ward-Prowse free-kick, go close but now face a big challenge to survive this season.

For Brighton, the victory has brought cheer to the travelling fans following Wednesday’s shock Carabao Cup penalty shootout exit at the hands of League One Charlton.

There were muted celebrations from Lallana after his opener but amazingly, it was just his second headed goal in the Premier League, with his other coming for Liverpool back in December 2016.

De Zerbi and Brighton will be watching events at Villa Park to see if they can finish Christmas off in style and hold on to that sixth spot.

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