Swansea City endured a thumping Boxing Day defeat at Southampton, with goals from Joe Aribo, Sam Edozie, Ryan Fraser (2), and Che Adams securing a 5-0 victory for the hosts at St Mary’s.
Despite having a couple of good chances before Aribo’s deflected opener, the Swans found themselves in a challenging position at halftime. A defensive mistake gifted Southampton a second goal, with Edozie finishing from close range.
Substitute Ryan Fraser added insult to injury with a brace after being introduced with 20 minutes remaining, and Che Adams added a fifth in injury time.
Caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan made three changes from the side that secured a late win against Preston North End, with Nathan Wood making his first start since returning from injury.
Liam Cullen and Jerry Yates also earned places in the starting XI, while Harry Darling and Liam Walsh were relegated to the bench. Unfortunately, Josh Key, who exited the field with an injury in the previous match, didn’t make the squad.
Ben Cabango marked his 150th league appearance for the Swans in the defeat.
Alan Sheehan reacts to Swans defeat
This is what caretaker boss Alan Sheehan had to say in his post-match press-conference after the game against Southampton.
The Swans travel to Coventry City on Friday evening for their next EFL Championship game.
Team Lineups
Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Jay Fulton (Joe Allen 59’), Ben Cabango, Matt Grimes (captain), Jerry Yates (Charlie Patino 59’), Jamal Lowe (Yannick Bolasie 70’), Jamie Paterson (Mykola Kuharevich 78’), Josh Tymon, Liam Cullen (Ollie Cooper 46’), Nathan Wood, Bashir Humphreys.
Unused substitutes: Andy Fisher, Harry Darling, Kyle Naughton, Liam Walsh.
Southampton: Gavin Bazunu, Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Manning, Flynn Downes (Will Smallbone 57’), Jack Stephens (captain) (Che Adams 70’), Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong (Sekou Mara 79’), Stuart Armstrong (Carlos Alcaraz 57’), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Sam Edozie (Ryan Fraser 70’), Jan Bednarek.
Unused substitutes: Joe Lumley, Mason Holgate, Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Tyler Dibling.
Referee: Keith Stroud
Attendance: 30,279 including 1,300 Swansea fans.
Match Highlights
Watch extended highlights of the Swans at Southampton in the Championship.
Feature Image Credit: Southampton Football Club