James Ward Prowse
SKIPPER James Ward-Prowse insists Saints are on the right path this season, despite the wait for their first Premier League win continuing. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have faced a tough fixture schedule so far, drawing four and losing one of their opening five matches. From the corresponding fixtures last season, Saints picked up just one point. However, they have bettered that tally so far, with impressive draws against Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as taking a point at Newcastle United. Saints will be seeking their first top-flight win of the campaign this weekend when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to St Mary’s, another fixture they lost last season. Asked if he feels picking up points against both Manchester clubs shows Saints are on the right path,
James Ward-Prowse said: “I think these are games last season that we would’ve lost. We would’ve given a sloppy goal away or switched off for a moment. But you can sense a change in the team in the way that we’re playing now. It’s definitely progressive and exciting to be part of.”
Reflecting on the goalless draw at Etihad Stadium on Saturday,
James Ward-Prowse added: “I’m absolutely delighted. I think it all started off with a really good start to the week. We had great preparation in terms of different formations, different styles and what we wanted to get out of the game. To see that preparation pay off and get through the game with an important point says a lot about the progression that we’ve made.”
Saints became the first side since Manchester United in March to stop City scoring in a home match. Add to that the fact Pep Guardiola’s superstars had notched 16 goals in their previous three Etihad fixtures this season, to restrict the hosts to just one shot on target all afternoon was mightily impressive from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s charges.
James Ward Prowse said: “You know coming here you’re going to need a brilliant game plan. You’re going to need desire, you’re going to need a little bit of luck as well. I think we earned that luck and we showed great progression in terms of our defensive manners and the way we performed, so we can come away very happy.”
