Southampton’s controversial late winner helped them gain ground on Leeds United, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City.
Watford manager Tom Cleverley was furious after his side conceded in the 99th minute against Southampton on Saturday, despite having seven minutes of extra time added.
Southampton extended their lead over their automatic promotion rivals this weekend, defeating Watford 3-2 after Leicester City, Leeds United, and Ipswich Town all dropped points. Russell Martin‘s team squandered a two-goal lead at St. Mary‘s before winning in dramatic manner through Flynn Downes.
Downes appeared to handle the ball before prodding home two minutes after the required seven minutes of added time had expired. Cleverley believes Sekou Mara should have received a red card following a clash with Ryan Porteous, but the Hornets manager was most concerned with the late winner.
“That (late goal) is the biggest source of my frustration,” Cleverley said. “The red card incident against Ryan Porteous was a real mistake. The fact that the corner was delivered in the 98th minute, after seven minutes had been put on, is concerning.
“I will never, ever go after genuine mistakes. I’m disappointed that the corner was taken. I don’t understand how we got to that point after the 98th minute. The whole situation should never have happened, and I believe you will definitely need someone strong in the game.”
Victory has brought Southampton to within six points of Leeds, and winning both of their games in hand would bring them level. Martin’s side can actually cut the gap this week, with games against Preston and Cardiff City coming up before the Whites go to Middlesbrough on Monday evening.
Daniel Farke‘s side is a point behind Leicester in second place, having played one more game, while Ipswich’s 0-0 draw at home to Boro moved them two points clear of Leeds at the top of the league with three games left.
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