Southampton Stun Leicester 3-0 to Extend Winning Streak, End Four-Match Losing Run

Southampton Stun Leicester 3-0 to Extend Winning Streak, End Four-Match Losing Run

When Southampton FC crushed Leicester City 3-0 at St. Mary's Stadium on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, it wasn’t just another win — it was a statement. After four straight losses to the Foxes in their last meetings, the Saints didn’t just break the curse; they obliterated it. A commanding performance, capped by two headers from defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and a left-footed strike from Finn Azaz, sent the home crowd into delirium and sent ripples through the Sky Bet Championship table. The final whistle blew at 90'+3', confirming a clean sheet and a fourth consecutive league victory — a streak that’s suddenly made Southampton FC the most dangerous team in the division right now.

Breaking the Curse

Let’s be honest — nobody expected this. Leicester had won the last four encounters against Southampton, including a 2-1 thriller last season. The narrative was clear: the Foxes owned the Saints. But on this night, the script flipped. The atmosphere at St. Mary’s was electric, not just because of the result, but because of what it meant. After relegation from the Premier League in 2024-25, Southampton had been playing catch-up all season. A 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic just three days earlier had hinted at momentum, but this? This was different. This was dominance.

Even the stats told a story of control. Southampton had fewer shots early — just two to Leicester’s six — but they were the only ones that mattered. Every set piece felt like a potential goal. Every tackle was sharp. Every pass found its target. And then, in the 27th minute, it happened: James Manning curled a free kick into the box, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis rose like a man possessed, nodding it past Daniel Iversen. The crowd roared. The officials hesitated — was there an offside? The replay showed none. The goal stood.

The Set-Piece Symphony

By halftime, it was 2-0. Another Manning corner, another Harwood-Bellis header — this time from six yards out, completely unmarked. The connection between the two was no accident. Manager Russell Martin had spent weeks drilling set pieces into his players. "We knew they’d defend the open play," Martin said post-match. "So we made them pay in the air." And pay they did. Harwood-Bellis, a 23-year-old center-back signed from Manchester City on loan last summer, now has five goals in his last seven games. He’s not supposed to be the star. But here he is — the unlikely hero.

Then came the third. In the 68th minute, Finn Azaz — the 21-year-old midfielder from Portugal — received the ball 25 yards out. No hesitation. Left foot. Low, hard, and curling into the bottom corner. The stadium exploded. The phrase "South Africa have two in five minutes" in the YouTube transcript? A misheard commentary. Azaz is not South African. But his impact? Undeniable.

Leicester’s Collapse

Leicester, who’d won their last two games and entered with the same 24 points as Southampton, looked shell-shocked. Their substitutions — Jordan Ayew and Boubakari Soumaré — came too late. Their defense, once so solid, looked brittle. Daniel Iversen made a stunning save off Leo Scienza in the 12th minute, but after that, he was left helpless. The Foxes had six shots, all off target. No clear chances. No rhythm. Just frustration.

"We were outplayed in every department," admitted Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers after the match. "They were sharper, hungrier, better. We didn’t respond. That’s on us."

Where This Leaves the Table

Post-match, the Championship table shifted dramatically. Coventry City still lead with 40 points from 17 games, but Southampton FC surged to 27 points — now tied for fifth with Ipswich Town. Stoke City and Middlesbrough sit at 30, just three points clear. But here’s the thing: Southampton have played one fewer game than most. And they’re now unbeaten in six. Their goal difference? +11. That’s the second-best in the top six.

They’re not just climbing. They’re sprinting. And with a December fixture list that includes away games against bottom-side Wigan and a home clash with promotion-chasing Luton, this momentum could be the difference between a playoff push and a top-two finish.

What’s Next?

Southampton’s next match is on December 7, 2025, away at Wigan Athletic. If they win, they’ll be within two points of the automatic promotion spots. The club’s board has quietly authorized a January transfer window budget of £15 million — mostly for a striker and a defensive midfielder. They know: this team is close. Very close.

For Leicester, the road gets harder. They’re now six points off the top six, with a tough trip to Stoke City looming. Their promotion hopes? Still alive, but fading fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Southampton turn their season around after relegation?

After finishing 18th in the 2024-25 Premier League and being relegated, Southampton appointed Russell Martin in June 2025, who restructured the squad with 11 new signings, including loan players like Harwood-Bellis and Azaz. Their defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency have improved dramatically — they’ve conceded just 8 goals in their last 10 games, the best record in the Championship over that span.

Why is James Manning so effective on set pieces?

Manning, a 24-year-old central midfielder, has spent over 200 hours studying video footage of past Premier League free kicks. His delivery is precise — he consistently hits the near post or the six-yard box with curling, dipping balls. In the 2025-26 season, he’s delivered 17 corners and 12 free kicks from dangerous areas; 8 of those have led directly to goals. His partnership with Harwood-Bellis is now the most lethal set-piece combo in the Championship.

What’s the historical significance of this win for Southampton?

This was Southampton’s first win over Leicester in six meetings since 2022. It also marked their largest home victory against the Foxes since a 4-0 win in 2015. More importantly, it ended a 12-match winless streak against top-half Championship sides — a psychological barrier they’ve now shattered. The win was their fourth in a row for the first time since 2020.

Could Southampton actually get promoted this season?

Yes — and they’re now the third-favorite to win automatic promotion, behind only Coventry and Stoke. With 27 points from 16 games and a +11 goal difference, they’re on pace for 80+ points. Only five teams in Championship history have reached 80+ without winning the title. If they win 7 of their remaining 11 games, promotion is almost certain. Their squad depth and tactical discipline make them genuine contenders.

How has Russell Martin changed the team’s identity?

Martin replaced the old, possession-heavy style with a high-press, fast-transition system. He’s prioritized athleticism over technical flair, and the results speak for themselves: Southampton now average 1.8 goals per game and concede just 0.7. They’ve also become the Championship’s most efficient team on counterattacks, scoring 11 goals from transitions — more than any other side. His leadership has turned a relegation team into a promotion threat.

What does this mean for Leicester City’s future?

Leicester’s promotion hopes are now in serious jeopardy. They’ve scored just 1 goal in their last three away games and have lost three of their last four. With a squad aging and underperforming — key players like Jamie Vardy and James Maddison are injured — they may need to sell in January to balance the books. Fans are already calling for Rodgers’ departure. Without major changes, a second straight season outside the top six looks likely.

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