Le Tissier congatulates Ward-Prowse after he eclipses Southampton legend by netting eighth free kick

‘Couldn’t have wished for a nicer lad to beat it’: Matt Le Tissier congratulates James Ward-Prowse after Southampton midfielder eclipses Saints legend by netting eighth free kick in victory over Aston Villa

  • The Saints midfielder set up Jannik Vestergaard’s opener in the 20th minute
  • Ward-Prowse then whipped two free kicks past Martinez before half-time
  • He is ninth player to score two direct free-kick goals in a Premier League game

James Ward-Prowse scored two brilliant free kicks to take his tally to eight and beat the record held by Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier.  

The Saints midfielder set up Jannik Vestergaard’s opener in the 20th minute before whipping his first kick past Emiliano Martinez in the 33rd minute and then repeating the trick just before half-time.

After the match Le Tissier tweeted: ‘Not even remotely bothered he’s overtaken my free kick tally.’

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse scored two brilliant free kicks against Aston Villa

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse scored two brilliant free kicks against Aston Villa

‘Couldn’t have wished for a nicer lad to beat it @Prowsey16’

Ward-Prowse became the ninth player to score two direct free-kick goals in Premier League game

His masterclass sent Southampton into the top three as the Saints survived a late Aston Villa fightback to win 4-3. 

He became the ninth player to score two direct free-kick goals in a Premier League game

He became the ninth player to score two direct free-kick goals in a Premier League game

Kyle Walker-Peters was fouled by Matt Targett and Ward-Prowse’s excellent delivery was met by Vestergaard’s thumping header.

Villa never recovered and the ruthless visitors went 2-0 up after 33 minutes.

Another rash challenge saw Douglas Luiz bring Walcott down 25 yards out and Ward-Prowse bent a brilliant free kick into the top corner.

It was Southampton’s 1,000th Premier League goal and the skipper added the next just before the break.

Southampton survived a late Aston Villa fightback to win 4-3 and move into the top three

Southampton survived a late Aston Villa fightback to win 4-3 and move into the top three

source: dailymail.co.uk