Adams' Late winner sees Southampton overcome Sheffield Wednesday in Championship opener

The 2023/24 Championship season began with a lively game at Hillsborough that saw Southampton eke out a narrow 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. 

An early goal from Adam Armstrong and a late winner from substitute Che Adams secured the win for the Saints, who were making their Championship return after recent Premier League relegation.

Southampton started strongly, with Adam Armstrong redirecting a superb Nathan Tella shot from the edge of the box into the net to open the scoring in the 8th minute.

Despite their dominating style that resulted in an impressive 80% of possession in the match, the Saints were unable to extend their lead in the first half.

Sheffield Wednesday found their footing in the second half, with Lee Gregory equalising in the 54th minute from a well-placed corner by Will Vaulks that was headed back acrosss the goal by Dominic Iorfa. Gregory was there to volley home through a crowded box. 

The equaliser saw the momentum shift towards Sheffield Wednesday, leading to an engaging back-and-forth contest between the two sides.

It was in the 87th minute that Che Adams, a former Sheffield United player, found the net, silencing the home crowd and sealing a 2-1 win for the Saints.

His goal came off a well-delivered low cross from James Ward-Prowse, marking a strong start for Russell Martin's tenure at Southampton.

Southampton's debutant, Ryan Manning, played an instrumental role in the game, contributing significantly to the team's dominant possession.

Reflecting on the match, Manning expressed satisfaction with the team's performance to southamptonfc.com, particularly in managing the atmosphere and controlling the game.

He stated, “It was a brilliant start, exactly what you want when you’re coming away from home."

Manning also commented on the team's reaction to the equaliser saying, "We’re all disappointed to concede but to come back, score in the last few minutes and then see the game out the way we did, that was just exactly the kind of style the gaffer wants."

Manning emphasized the significance of this win, saying, “It’s the perfect start away from home, three points and now we can watch the weekend and see how everyone else gets on."

Looking forward, Manning believes in building upon this momentum, adding, "Momentum is massive and if you keep putting wins together on the spin it seems to snowball effect and you just keep going, going and going and you just have to be relentless.”

Irish Watch: Ryan Manning made his Southampton debut and played the entire game. He was joined by fellow Irish internationals Will Smallbone and Gavin Bazunu. No Irish players featured for Sheffield Wednesday on the night.

Sheffield Wednesday: Dawson, Paterson, Iorfa, Ihiekwe, Famewo, Vaulks (Palmer 77), Bakinson, Delgado (Fletcher 77), Bannan, Windass (James 86), Gregory (Musaba 68).

Subs not used: Wilks, Valentin, Bernard, Smith, Charles.

Yellow cards: Gregory 28, Paterson 30, Delgado 45, Dawson 78.

Southampton: Bazunu, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning, Ward-Prowse, Smallbone, Alcaraz (S. Armstrong 73), Tella, A. Armstrong (Adams 79), Edozie (Aribo 89).

Subs not used: McCarthy, Lyanco, Charles, Lavia, Djenepo, Amo-Ameyaw.

Yellow cards: A. Armstrong 28, Manning 37, Tella 64, Stephens 84.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS