James Ward-Prowse forced off with illness at half-time of Bournemouth clash as Southampton suffer costly 1-0 defeat
SOUTHAMPTON star man James Ward-Prowse was forced off with a mystery illness at half-time in Thursday’s costly 1-0 defeat against relegation rivals Bournemouth.
The England midfielder looked far from his usual self as the Saints fell four points adrift at the bottom.
Marcus Tavernier scored the winner for Bournemouth five minutes after the break – with VAR ruling out a late Che Adams equaliser for offside.
Lyanco came on for Ward-Prowse as Southampton struggled to impose themselves.
And some worried Saints fans reckoned JWP had looked “out of sorts” from the start.
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell tweeted: “James Ward-Prowse was ill before the game, hence his substitution at half time.”
One observer responded: “Why start him then. More mismanagement.”
And another one joked: “Sick of being part of this squad, presumably.”
Defeat left Southampton seemingly doomed to the drop.
In contrast, Bournemouth moved seven points clear of the drop zone.
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That possible difference was reflected by each side’s performance.
The Saints, and their fans, appeared to lack belief.
The Cherries, meanwhile, showed composure and fluency.
However, there was a blow for Bournemouth as they lost their in-form scorer Tavernier late on.
The 24-year-old midfielder limped off, looking gutted.
And Adams – on for Theo Walcott – saw a leveller erased for a marginal decision.