Southampton started their new season in the English Football League (EFL) with a victory against Sheffield Wednesday, who were promoted to the EFL. Che Adams, who came on as a substitute, scored the decisive goal to secure a 2-1 win for Southampton.
The visitors took an early lead when Nathan Tella cut inside from the right and struck a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. The ball took a slight deflection off Adam Armstrong’s head, finding the back of the net past Sheffield Wednesday’s goalkeeper Cameron Dawson.
After being dominated in the first half, Sheffield Wednesday managed to equalize in the second half. Lee Gregory scored for the home side after a corner was headed back into the goal area.
As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Southampton’s captain, James Ward-Prowse, made a key play, setting up Che Adams for the winning goal from close range. This victory marked Russell Martin’s first league game in charge of Southampton.
Before the match, both teams and their fans paid their respects to former Sheffield Wednesday boss Trevor Francis and midfielder Chris Bart-Williams, who passed away the previous month.
Both teams had only one new signing in their starting lineups, as they stuck with players from the previous season. Southampton, playing in the Championship for the first time since 2012, dominated the game with their possession-oriented style, recording the most successful passes for any team at this level in the first half.
Despite Southampton’s early lead, they struggled to find a second goal, with a Jack Stephens effort cleared off the line by Callum Paterson. However, Sheffield Wednesday improved in the second half under new manager Xisco Munoz, and Lee Gregory’s goal brought them back into the game.
The winning goal was orchestrated by James Ward-Prowse, who made a penetrating run into the home area and set up Che Adams for an easy tap-in. Southampton’s solid defense held strong through nine minutes of added time to secure their first opening-day win in a decade.
Based on their performance, Southampton looks poised to achieve more victories this season compared to their previous campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EFL season opener
Q: What was the result of the match between Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton?
A: Southampton won the match 2-1, with Che Adams scoring the late winner as a substitute.
Q: Who scored the first goal for Southampton?
A: Nathan Tella scored the first goal for Southampton, cutting in from the right and unleashing a left-footed shot that took a slight deflection off Adam Armstrong’s head.
Q: How did Sheffield Wednesday equalize?
A: Sheffield Wednesday equalized when Lee Gregory smashed home a goal after a corner was headed back across the goal area.
Q: Who provided the assist for Che Adams’ winning goal?
A: Southampton’s captain, James Ward-Prowse, made a penetrating run into the home area and set up Che Adams for the winning goal from close range.
Q: Were there any new signings for both teams in the starting lineups?
A: Both teams had only one new signing each in their starting lineups, with the managers choosing to stick with players from the previous season.
Q: How did Southampton’s playing style differ in the match?
A: Southampton displayed a possession-oriented style of play under their manager, Russell Martin, recording the most successful passes for any team at this level during the first half.
Q: What did the players and fans do before the match?
A: Before the match, both sets of players and fans paid their respects to former Sheffield Wednesday boss Trevor Francis and midfielder Chris Bart-Williams, who both passed away the previous month.
Q: What was significant about Southampton’s victory in this match?
A: Southampton’s victory marked their first opening-day win in a decade, providing a strong start to their campaign in the EFL Championship after being relegated the previous season.
More about EFL season opener
- BBC Sport: Southampton 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
- The Guardian: Southampton claim opening-day win against Sheffield Wednesday
- Sky Sports: Che Adams’ late goal secures win for Southampton
- EFL Official Website (for season previews and league information)
- Russell Martin – Manager Profile (Transfermarkt profile)
