Divin Mubama struck in the 89th minute on his home debut as Southampton beat Stoke City 3-1 at St Mary’s, extending their unbeaten home run back to January.
The Manchester City loanee, who spent last season at Stoke City, had been sent off in the same fixture almost a year ago after being booked for diving. This time, he provided the decisive moment, finishing a flowing move to put Southampton in front late on.
Ryan Manning added a fourth-minute injury-time penalty to secure the points after Svante Ingelsson was dismissed for bringing down Samuel Edozie in the area.
Southampton had taken an early lead through Cyle Larin, who scored his third goal in as many matches. Stoke City recovered through Ethan Galbraith and appeared on course for a deserved draw before Mubama’s late intervention.
The result came against the backdrop of Taylor Harwood-Bellis being left out of the Southampton squad. The club rejected an £18m offer from Aston Villa for the once-capped England defender during the week, with Unai Emery reportedly preparing an improved bid.
There were several new faces in the Stoke City side. George Hirst made his debut after joining from Ipswich for £7m, while Ben Johnson started after moving on loan from the Tractor Boys. Djibril Soumare also made his first start for the club.
Before kick-off, supporters observed a minute of applause for Kevin Keegan, the former Southampton and England forward who died last month.
Southampton needed only one attack to take the lead. Finn Azaz and Flynn Downes combined neatly before Larin found space through the middle. The Canada international kept his composure to calmly place his finish beyond Viktor Johansson.
Stoke City responded positively and soon created an opportunity for Hirst, who was given a clear view of goal. Nathan Wood produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent the visitors from levelling.
The equaliser arrived soon afterwards. Bae Jun-ho’s work in the build-up created the opening for Sam Gallagher to deliver a low cross, which Galbraith converted for his first goal since joining Stoke City from Swansea.
Both teams continued to carry a threat in an open contest, although Southampton gradually began to control more of the possession.
Manning then found Larin with an intelligent pass, but Johnson tracked the run effectively and deflected the striker’s effort wide. Southampton went close again when Leo Scienza’s free-kick struck a post after glancing off Johnson’s back.
Larin was involved once more when Azaz supplied him with another chance. This time, Johansson reacted well to turn a powerful effort around the post as Southampton increased the pressure.
However, Stoke City were finally beaten in the 89th minute. Lewis Dobbin and Azaz combined in an impressive move that released Mubama, who produced a composed finish to put the hosts ahead.
Southampton then completed the victory in the fourth minute of added time. Edozie broke clear and was brought down by Ingelsson, who was shown a red card. Manning took responsibility from the spot and converted without hesitation.
