Mark Hughes has been appointed as Southampton manager until the end of the season after Mauricio Pellegrino was dismissed and the Welsh tactician managed to get a tune out of his side at the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Latics impressed in the first-half and they spurned two great chances to take the lead, firstly Chey Dunkley had a wild swipe when the ball came his way six yards out before Gary Roberts scooped an effort over the bar from a similar distance.
Southampton improved after the break and opened the scoring in the 62nd minute when Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s crisp half-volley from eight yards ended up in the back of the net.
Manolo Gabbiadini then missed a penalty when he was brought down in the box by Dan Burn before Cedric Soares made sure of the win two minutes into stoppage-time, with the defender slotting a low strike past Christian Walton.
For the Saints, this could be the confidence boost they need to turn around their fortunes in the Premier League and ensure they retain their top-flight status for the next campaign.
Hughes’ men have won just one of their last 17 matches, leaving the club in 18th place and two points from safety, and the former Stoke boss knows there is lots to be done. He was quoted as saying by BBC Sport: “We stood up to Wigan.
It was a statement of intent and a start. We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment.”
Southampton are 3.00 to be relegated from the Premier League, the same price as David Moyes’ West Ham United.
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