Monday Briefing: February 8th
As we venture into another double gameweek, get the latest Southampton news from St Mary's and Staplewood Campus with our Monday Briefing...
Saints suffer Newcastle defeat
Southampton suffered a fifth successive Premier League defeat on Saturday, enduring a frustrating trip to Newcastle United.
Saints let a big opportunity slip in the north east, having played against a Magpies side that went down to ten men early in the second half, following Jeff Hendrick’s sending off, when the score was 3-2, before then being reduced to nine with more than ten minutes on the clock after an injury to Fabian Schär.
Unable to breakdown Steve Bruce's side, it was to be a fruitless trip to St James' Park.
Wolves double-header awaits
Saints will face Wolves twice this week, as they go head-to-head in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round and in the Premier League.
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side will head to Molineux on Thursday (5.30pm GMT) looking for cup progression, before hosting the Midlands outfit on Sunday (midday GMT) in the league.
Southampton earned a 1-1 draw at Molineux in November, with Theo Walcott’s strike enough to collect a point.
Deadline Day activity
Saints were involved in a busy winter transfer deadline day last Monday, as Takumi Minamino made an 11th hour arrival on loan from Liverpool.
The Japan international becomes a Saint for the remainder of the season and made an instant impact on Saturday by scoring on his debut.
Heading out, striker Shane Long joined Championship outfit Bournemouth on loan, whilst Yan Valery headed to Birmingham for the remainder of the campaign.
Southampton's youthful B team will come away from Snow Stadium frustrated with a solitary point, after a strong display against high-flying Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2.
The home side took the lead seven minutes into the second half; Bellis firing into the Tottenham goal after a well worked Will Ferry assist to reward what had been a strong performance by Saints.
But despite their dominance in places, the hosts conceded an equaliser nine minutes from time, a fortuitous deflection off of Ferry in over keeper Jack Bycroft.
Southampton Football Club is proudly displaying a “We Miss You” banner created by the Saints Disabled Supporters Association, featuring images of fans from around the world, at Staplewood Campus.
The giant banner has been placed above the entrance to the Markus Liebherr Pavilion, where it will be seen by players and staff on a daily basis.
The club has enjoyed a long and positive association with the SDSA, and was touched by the efforts the organisation went to, as well as being extremely grateful to all of the fans who took the time to contribute images.
Southampton will travel to play Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday 23rd February, the Premier League have today confirmed.
The tie was originally due to take place in mid-January, but was postponed to allow for Saints' FA Cup third round fixture to be played against Shrewsbury Town.
The trip to West Yorkshire remains a midweek clash, but will now kick-off at 6pm GMT and be broadcast live by Sky Sports.
