Strand Larsen Double Lifts Wolves Closer to Safety as Southampton Slip Further Towards Relegation

Wolverhampton Wanderers took a huge step towards Premier League survival with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over bottom side Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a Jorgen Strand Larsen brace.

The crucial win moves Wolves nine points clear of the relegation zone, while Southampton’s survival hopes are all but extinguished after a ninth consecutive home defeat left them stranded on nine points from 29 games.

Strand Larsen Strikes as Wolves Punish Wasteful Saints

Ivan Juric’s Southampton started brightly and almost took the lead inside six minutes when Yukinari Sugawara’s inviting cross found Kamaldeen Sulemana, but the Ghanaian failed to apply the finishing touch as Wolves scrambled clear.

Despite dominating possession and creating promising openings, the Saints lacked a clinical edge – and they were made to pay. Wolves struck against the run of play in the 32nd minute when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s pinpoint cross found Strand Larsen, who rose highest to glance a header beyond Aaron Ramsdale into the bottom corner.

Southampton continued to press but were wasteful in front of goal, and Wolves capitalized again just minutes into the second half. Bellegarde was once more the provider, playing in Strand Larsen on the edge of the box. The Norwegian striker made no mistake, firing a precise shot into the bottom-left corner to silence the home crowd.

Southampton Rally Falls Short

With a two-goal cushion, Wolves took control, and Bellegarde nearly added a third after a dazzling solo run from deep inside his own half. But as the visitors eased off, Southampton found a lifeline in the 75th minute.

Wolves failed to kill the game off on the break, and Southampton responded instantly. Tyler Dibling’s effort struck the post, but Paul Onuachu reacted quickest to smash home the rebound, reigniting the home support.

A frantic finale saw Southampton throw everything forward, but Wolves held firm. Goalkeeper Jose Sa produced two crucial stops to deny the hosts a dramatic equalizer, while Wolves’ disciplined backline absorbed the late pressure.

As the final whistle blew, the traveling supporters roared in celebration, chanting Vitor Pereira’s name as his side secured a priceless three points.

For Wolves, survival now looks within reach. For Southampton, the Championship beckons.