Southampton 0-2 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes' post-match review of Southampton 0-2 Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday, 01 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Well, that was a bit of a shocker at St. Mary's, wasn't it? Southampton, coming off a string of less than stellar results, were hoping to turn things around at home, but Preston North End had other plans. The visitors clinched a 2-0 victory, extending their own winning streak and putting a dent in Southampton's already fragile confidence. It's not like Southampton didn't have their chances, but when you're on a run like they've been – three losses and two draws in their last five – it's hard to shake off the jitters.

Preston, on the other hand, are looking like the real deal. They've now won three of their last five, and this result against Southampton was anything but a fluke. The lads from Deepdale showed grit and determination, capitalising on their opportunities to secure a well-deserved win. It's a result that'll give them a real boost as they continue to push up the table, while Southampton will need to regroup quickly if they're to avoid getting sucked further into the relegation scrap.

Looking at the stats, you'd think Southampton should've walked away with something from this game. They dominated possession with 64% to Preston's 36%, and racked up eight corners to Preston's two. But football isn't played on paper, is it? Despite their control of the ball, Southampton couldn't convert their dominance into goals, and that's what counts at the end of the day.

The yellow card count was a bit of a surprise, with Preston picking up three to Southampton's one. It shows they were willing to put their bodies on the line to secure the win. As for the successful dribbles, both teams were pretty even at 36% and 38% respectively, but it's clear that Preston made their moments count when it mattered most.

The game's turning point came in the 38th minute when Preston North End found the back of the net, putting them in the driver's seat. That early goal set the tone for the rest of the match, forcing Southampton to chase the game and leaving them vulnerable at the back. It's the kind of moment that can change the course of a match, and Preston made sure to capitalise on it.

The icing on the cake for Preston came in the 90th minute with another goal, sealing the deal and leaving Southampton with no way back. That late strike would've been a real gut punch for the home side, who were already struggling to break down a resolute Preston defence. It's these key moments that define matches, and Preston executed them perfectly.

Southampton lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Alex McCarthy between the sticks and a back three of Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The midfield was anchored by Flynn Downes and Caspar Jander, with Mads Roerslev and Ryan Manning providing width. Up top, Finn Azaz, Adam Armstrong, and Leo Scienza were tasked with finding the net.

Despite the team's efforts, no one really stood out in a positive way. The five substitutions made by the manager suggest a search for a spark that never quite came. It's clear that the current lineup and formation aren't clicking, and something needs to change if Southampton are to turn their fortunes around.

Preston North End opted for a 3-5-2 setup, with Daniel Iversen in goal and a back three of Jordan Storey, Liam Lindsay, and Andrew Hughes. The midfield was packed with Odeluga Offiah, Alfie Devine, Ben Whiteman, Harrison Armstrong, and Thierry Small, providing both defensive solidity and attacking threat. Up front, Lewis Dobbin and Milutin Osmajic led the line.

The lineup worked a treat, with the team looking well-balanced and capable of both defending and attacking effectively. The five substitutions made by the manager didn't disrupt the flow, and it's clear that the current setup is working well for Preston. They'll be looking to keep this momentum going as they continue their push up the table.

Lewis Dobbin takes home the Ladbrokes' Man of the Match award, and rightly so. His goal in the 38th minute was the catalyst for Preston's victory, setting the tone for the rest of the match. While he didn't register any assists or key passes, his contribution on the scoresheet was enough to make him the standout performer on the day.

• Loss: 0-2 vs Preston North End (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Bristol City (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Swansea City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Derby County (A)

• Win: 2-0 vs Southampton (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs Sheffield United (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)

Sitting in 21st place with just 12 points, Southampton are in dire need of a turnaround. Their next game is against Queens Park Rangers, who are comfortably mid-table with 18 points, on November 05, 2025 at 19:45. This result against Preston will surely force the manager to rethink their approach, as they can't afford to drop more points if they want to climb out of the relegation zone.

With this win, Preston North End have climbed to 6th place with 22 points, firmly in the playoff spots. They'll face Swansea City, who are in 16th with 17 points, on November 05, 2025 at 19:45. This result will give them a real confidence boost, and they'll be looking to maintain their momentum and push for a top-six finish.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.