Southampton squandered a 2-0 lead and suffered a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat at home to Leicester City on Saturday, extending their winless start to the season to eight games.
Saints manager Russell Martin was left visibly stunned at the final whistle as his side’s early dominance evaporated.
Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo put Southampton in control within the opening half-hour, and they appeared to be cruising. However, Leicester responded with menace, hitting the post before pulling one back through Facundo Buonanotte to shift the momentum.
The turning point came when Ryan Fraser dragged Jamie Vardy down inside the box, conceding a penalty and receiving a red card. Vardy converted from the spot to level the game.
In dramatic fashion, Leicester completed their comeback with the final kick of the match. Jordan Ayew slotted home a 98th-minute winner, sending the travelling fans into ecstasy and leaving St Mary’s in stunned silence.
The result lifts Leicester to nine points for the season, while Southampton remain stuck at the foot of the table on just one point.
The game sparked controversy over a contentious VAR decision that left Southampton supporters and pundits baffled.
Former England striker Alan Shearer questioned why the Saints were denied a penalty when Paul Onuachu was pulled back by Leicester’s Jordan Ayew.
Shearer criticised the decision on Match of the Day, arguing that VAR and referee Anthony Taylor had made a clear error.
“Absolutely… the word we’re hearing is Anthony Taylor saw the holding but it was with no consequence,” Shearer said.
“He’s got hold of him for about five seconds, which means he has to be impacting play. If he’s not holding him, there’s every chance he’s going to challenge for that ball, maybe even get there before the keeper. I think that’s a really poor decision by the referee and VAR.”
Saints manager Russell Martin also expressed his frustration, suggesting Onuachu may have been “too honest” by staying on his feet.
“Maybe if he’d gone to ground, it would’ve been different,” Martin said.
Adding to the drama, Fraser’s dismissal for his foul on Vardy was similarly controversial, as VAR deemed it a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Even Match of the Day presenter and Leicester supporter Gary Lineker weighed in:
“Even as a Leicester City fan, I’d say that as well.”