Jacob Ramsey adds to Aston Villa impetus after Prince of Wales backing
Jacob Ramsey scores only goal of the match for Aston Villa
Southampton have conceded in their last 13 league games
Villa register only their second win in 11 league games
Even in this most difficult of weeks, Aston Villa fan the Prince of Wales found time to message the club offering support for Friday night’s game. As Villa head coach Steven Gerrard admitted, the 1-0 victory over supine Southampton was not the prettiest, but it may have brought comfort to the Prince.
“I hope we’ve made him proud,” Gerrard said. “He’s constantly in touch. He’s really supportive of the boys and I’m so impressed with how much knowledge he has.”
Gerrard added: “He messaged in the week, to the club, and that shows everything about what he thinks of this club. For us to reward that with a result and clean sheet, I'm sure he will be proud.
“It was along the lines of 'would love to be there'. He is consistently in touch. He is very supportive of the boys individually, he loves them. It's really impressive, his knowledge, and how much he is in to it.
“It certainly took me back. He is very much involved in Villa. For him to message in the situation he is in is really impressive.
“Where we were before the game, in terms of our league position, it was about the result. It wasn't pretty or stylish but was all about resilience, guts, character and owning the pitch.”
In fact, the game was less tight than the scoreline might suggest. Villa took three points for only the second time this season and by the most slender of margins, but once Jacob Ramsey scored what proved to be the winner, they were overwhelmingly superior to a Southampton side who barely managed a coherent attack until added time when Stuart Armstrong headed wide from James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick .
“Not sharp enough, not quick enough, not good enough,” Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl lamented. “They had a chance, we didn’t. When you have no power, it is not enough for the Premier League.”
How Villa needed the fillip. There were green shoots in the draw against Manchester City last time out and on Friday night Philippe Coutinho was both lambent and committed, John McGinn added vim and vigour and the defensive unit was watertight. “It was about resilience, character, sticking together and owning the pitch,” Gerrard said.
Coutinho, more hungry than at any time during his Villa sojourn, was in spring-heeled mode, linking with Ollie Watkins. He set out his stall as early as the seventh minute, spraying a pinpoint crossfield pass to Leon Bailey, who fluffed his lines.
Southampton are struggling for traction. Hasenhuttl replaced Joe Aribo with Moussa Djenepo, but a bench packed with youngsters – but not the fit Ainsley Maitland-Niles – suggested strength in depth may become an increasing problem.
Briefly, Djenepo was a menace down the right and when he crossed, only Ezri Konsa’s timely intervention prevented Che Adams from sneaking Southampton ahead.
Indeed, Southampton benefitted from Ward-Prowse playing in a more advanced role than usual and Djenepo switching to the left where he could prey on Ashley Young and they had a period of domination.
Undaunted, Villa battled their way back and never let their chokehold slip. McGinn was everywhere, Coutinho dropped back to see more of the ball and Bailey was always an outlet. Still, the first third of the game passed without either goalkeeper in any sort of peril.
Southampton finally crumbled in the 41st minute. First Gavin Bazunu made a deft stop at his near post from Coutinho’s header. From the resulting corner, Watkins headed towards goal, Bazunu palmed it against the bar, Mohammed Salisu made a hash of the clearance and Ramsey crashed home his first goal since March.
Villa could have had more before the interval. Bazuno’s fingertips kept out Bailey’s low drive and when substitute Douglas Luiz’s corner looked set to dip into goal, the goalkeeper reacted to paw it over.
Hasenhuttl was bold at the break, making a double substitution, most intriguingly a first taste of English football for Juan Larios, the teenage Spanish full-back signed from Manchester City for £6 million over the summer. Physically unimposing, he found the muscular Bailey as difficult as Romain Perraud had in the first period.
Southampton flung men forward – including Samuel Edozie, another teenage signing from Manchester City – but to little avail. As the end drew near, Villa looked likely to give the scoreline a more realistic hue. It did not happen, but no matter: they have something to build on.
In contrast, Southampton’s house is beginning to resemble one built from straw.
Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0: As it happened
10:26 PM
Aston Villa manger Steven Gerrard reacts
Speaking to BBC Sport
On Villa's performance
It's a big victory. It wasn't pretty or stylish but, with where we were in the league, we knew we had to do it in a pragmatic way.
I'm really proud of the boys' effort, application and commitment. "We played better that we did last time. In football, you have to grind and fight and be committed and we worked hard today.
We will get better in terms of style and possession and that will come but tonight was about the points.
We had to back up our performance against Manchester City and there were a lot of eyes on us from the TV but we did it."
On his side's clean sheet
It's how you build consistency by defending your box well. I've been critical about this group and the detailing if defending at times but today there were a lot of bodies on the line today.
"Maybe we tried to force it a bit tonight but as we move up the table maybe that's when the pretty stuff will come. It has been a tough period but I've wanted step forward and protect my players. I've tried to fight and move up this table. We have accepted a lot of criticism and it's about reacting and that is what we have done tonight."
10:24 PM
Southampton Kyle Walker Peters reacts
On his team's performance
We didn’t deserve anything from the game. They were more aggressive than us and won more duels.
That’s the bare minimum. When you lose those battles you get punished. We didn’t deserve anything.
We weren’t quick enough for second balls which killed us a bit. Offensively we didn’t create anything. Disappointing performance.
Villa have been under a bit of pressure. We've been in that moment before. We knew they'd be a bit nervous but they came out firing. They were aggressive and ended up getting the result.
10:05 PM
The Villa fans enjoyed Ramsey's goal..
10:00 PM
FT: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
And it's all over at Villa Park!
Aston Villa join Southampton on seven points after a poor game of football!
That is a big result for Steven Gerrard!
Courtesy of Jacob Ramsay's goal, you feel the pressure is slightly eased off the Aston Villa manger for now....
09:55 PM
90+4: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Southampton have a free kick in a dangerous area which is just outside the box, yet again a fine cross into the box from Ward-Prowse but his header goes safely wide.
09:53 PM
90+1 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Ward- Prowse is able to find Bella- Kotchap with a well time cross at the back post but his header is just out and Aston Villa clear.
Villa need to remain calm to see this out.
09:50 PM
89 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Five minutes of added time.
The Villa crowd are getting nervous...
09:48 PM
87 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
We are into the final minutes here at Villa Park.
Can Steven Gerrard's side hold on or will Southampton find an equaliser?
09:47 PM
84 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Ashely Young has an attempt on goal but he flies it well wide.
His name hasn't appeared on the Villa scoresheet in awhile.
09:43 PM
82 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Captain John McGinn has been so physical this evening, as he wins the ball back really well but Ward-Prowse is late on him.
He gets the home crowed going as McGinn wrestles Djenepo to the ground.
09:41 PM
80 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
The visitors make a change and it's another one of Southampton's Manchester City signings is on. Edozie replaces Elyounoussi.
09:39 PM
77 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Salisu's throw is flicked on towards Mara in the box, but sadly there is no pace on the ball and Martinez gathers safely.
09:37 PM
75 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Djenepo and Walker Petters combing well down the right but the visitors are struggling to create anything in the final third.
09:33 PM
72 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
There is a double substitution for Southampton as Armstrong and Adams make way for Mara and Stuart Armstrong.
09:31 PM
70 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
There's a moment pause in play, as the fans inside honour the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II by singing the national anthem and applauding.
09:28 PM
66 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Another brilliant ball in from Youngs, who finds defender Tyrone Mings again in the box
The 29-year old is just wide of the cross and it safely finds the hands of Bazunu.
09:25 PM
62 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
A great chance for 2-0 that!
As Ashely Young hangs the ball just past Watkins so heads back into touch to find Mings who is just a few yards out.
It lands into the path of goal scorer Jacob Ramsey, whose left-footed strike is blocked by some Southampton defending.
09:21 PM
60 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Salisu is able to block Ramsay's effort after a clever placed pass by Tyrone Mings inside Southampton's six-yard box
09:19 PM
59 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
The Holte End in Villa Park are in full voice- they want a goal as Villa continue in possession here.
09:18 PM
54 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Southampton definitely started the second half well but Villa have started to settle into the game once more.
Coutinho and Digne have linked up well down the left but Southampton are able to win the ball before Villa quickly win back possession.
09:11 PM
49 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Adams places one well wide of the post. Mings with some good defending once more.
09:09 PM
47 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
A free kick for the visitors in a dangerous position which Ward-Prowse will take.
He whips the ball in effectively but it meets the Southampton back-line and they clear.
09:05 PM
45 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
We are back underway at Villa Park, with Coutinho kicking off proceedings.
We've had a double change for the visitors, Perraud and Diallo come off for Aribo and Larios.
Steven Gerrard's side are 45 minutes away from a second win of the season.
Can they hold off Southampton?
09:01 PM
The first half in pictures
08:49 PM
HT: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
So far so good for Steven Gerrard's side as lead at the break!
You feel Coutinho is their shining light!
08:49 PM
46 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
There is free kick to Villa but the Southampton's wall does it job effectively and blocks it
08:47 PM
44 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Coutinho goes close again but Bazunu saves well at his near post.
08:46 PM
41 min: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
Coutinho is really warming up to the task now and he delivers!
The Brazilian players a corner shot before whipping in a cross towards the head of Watkins. The Southampton keeper Bazunu makes a brilliant save but he sadly can't stop the ball from rebounding!
It goes into the path of Ramsay who smashes in the rebound!
VAR did check for a possible offside in the build-up play but the check is quickly over!
And the goal stands!
08:41 PM
GOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLl
Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0
And there is breakthrough for Aston Villa
Jacob Ramsay
08:39 PM
35 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
More good play from the Brazilian as he takes on the men in white shirts. He wins his side a corner which he delivers but Bella-Kotchap heads clear, it goes to Youngs, out to Coutinho but Bella-Kotchap yet again clears.
08:37 PM
32 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
That was magical from Coutinho as he passes Ward-Prowse and fancies his luck just outside the box.
There was plenty of power in that right footed strike but it safely sails over the Southampton's keeper goal.
A real highlight of the first half and there haven't been many!
08:34 PM
30 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
This feels better from Aston Villa as Bailey is able to run past Salisu down the right and deliver an excellent right-footed cross towards the post, which Bella- Kotchap heads behind for a corner.
08:31 PM
28 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
A nervy moment for Southampton as Romain Perraud is down after a heavy challenge from Bailey, meanwhile Steven Gerrard is getting stuck into this players.
It hasn't been a great start for his side.
08:27 PM
26 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
A chance for Southampton!
As Elyounoussi almosts finds Adams in the box, which you would say should have been an opening goal for the visitors but yet again Konsa is there again for Villa to clear.
Then there was a long throw into the Aston Villa's box is cleared as far as Ward-Prowse but Ramsay blocks his effort and the hosts restart.
08:26 PM
24 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
08:23 PM
22 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Bailey is in again but his cross is easily cleared by the Southampton's back line.
08:22 PM
19 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Adam Armstrong wins a corner for the visitors after a strong run from the half way line. Young puts it behind and its Ward-Prowse with the delivery.
Kamara heads clear and then its Mings this time as Ward-Prowse delivers again. Villa defend well there and retain the ball.
08:20 PM
17 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Walker Peters does brilliantly to burst pass several Aston Villa players and charges forward into the box.
Lucas Digne does well to slide in and win the ball however the Southampton full back is able to clear his line.
08:18 PM
14 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
The hosts are yet to have an effort on Southampton's goal but the visitors are looking the more comfortable side in these early stages.
You feel the crowd at Villa Park are getting a little restless.
08:14 PM
11 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
A corner for Southampton and Ward-Prowse delivers a brilliant ball into the box but Elyounoussi heads well wide of the mark at the near post.
08:12 PM
9 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Yet again, the Aston Villa captain crunches the Southampton full back as the visitors have a free-kick on the near touchline which Ashely Young is able to clear.
08:09 PM
6 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Coutinho made an initial ball into Bailey with an excellent pass from deep but the Jamaican tried to be too intricate with his ball into the box and the visitors restart play.
08:08 PM
4 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
McGinn is really putting himself about so far in the opening few minutes at Villa Park.
He has steamed into another one on Walker-Peters.
08:05 PM
2 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Coutinho is looking sharp this evening as he dummies past Walker-Peters to get on the ball but, after a one-two with McGinn, loses the ball as the visitors win it back.
08:02 PM
1 min: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
Villa's captain McGinn is battling away and powers through two challenges but fouls Walker-Peters with the Southampton keeper Bazunu restarting play.
08:00 PM
KO: Aston Villa 0 Southampton 0
The visitors get us underway
07:58 PM
Minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II
The players have emerged from the tunnel and kick off at Villa Park is moments away.
07:57 PM
Warm ups
07:52 PM
Jamie Carragher speaking on Sky Sports
On Villa needing a different performance tonight
The performance against Man City should have lifted the players and crowd. A draw against the top teams always feels like a win, but it will have to be a different performance against Southampton to get the fans on side and win the game tonight.
Read Jamie Carragher's latest Telegraph column here
07:47 PM
A slight tweak for Aston Villa
So Douglas Luiz is the man to make way for fellow coutryman Phillipe Coutinho this evening. However, Douglas could feel aggrieved at missing out given his accomplished performance against Manchester City last time out.
It means there is a slight tweak as Jacob Ramsey returns to the midfield with Coutinho joining Leon Bailey this time in support of Ollie Watkins.
07:33 PM
Referee watch
Tonight is just the sixth Premier League match for referee Tony Harrington after making his league debut last December. Prior to that, Harrington was an official in the Championship for nine seasons.
07:18 PM
Remembering the Queen
The Premier League is returning to action for the first time since the death of the Queen.
So, ahead of kick off at Villa Park a minute's silence will be held followed by the National Anthem and when the clock reaches 70 minutes fans will be invited to applaud the 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
07:09 PM
Friday night settings
07:06 PM
Southampton FC team and subs: Moussa Djenepo starts
Bazunu, Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud, Diallo, Djenepo, Ward-Prowse, Elyounoussi, Aribo, A Armstong, Adams
Subs: McCarthy, Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Aribo, S Armstrong, Mara, Edozie, Larios, Walcott
07:02 PM
Aston Villa team and subs: Young and Coutinho starts
Martinez, Young, Konsa, Mings, Digne, McGinn, Kamara, J. Ramsey, Bailey, Watkins, Coutinho
Subs: Olsen, Chambers, Augustinsson, Nakamba, Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz, Sanson, Buendia, Ings
06:47 PM
Evening all
And welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of Southampton's visit to Villa Park this evening.
There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a tough start to the campaign for Aston Villa, who have only picked up four points from their last six matches, which has left them in 17th position in the table.
Steven Gerrard's side lost to Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season before recording a 2-1 victory over Everton one week later, but then they lost their next three games to Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Arsenal.
Aston Villa were staring at a fourth set Premier League defeat earlier this month when Erling Haaland put the champions ahead at Villa Park but Leon Bailey managed to level the scores in the 74th minute, and the hosts held on to secure a welcome point amid a difficult spell.
They can take confidence from the corresponding game between the two sides last season, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Gerrard's team.
Southampton, meanwhile, have made an encouraging start to the campaign, picking up seven points from six matches, which has left them in 12th position in the table ahead of this match.
The club have signed ten players over the summer transfer window and will have the majority involved in tonight's squad that has travelled up to the West Midlands as Hasenhuttl's side will look to make it four wins in six matches across all competitions.
Ralph Hasenhuttl's side started their season with a 4-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur before collecting four points from their two games, drawing with Leeds United and beating Leicester.
Southampton have only won once in their travels in the Premier League since the start of February, which is an indication of the size of their task in this match, but they have a recent away success over Aston Villa to their name, recording a 4-3 victory in November 2020.
Join us for team news at 7pm.
