Flynn Downes controversy emerges as West Ham United loanee scores Southampton winner
West Ham loanee Flynn Downes scored a controversial winning goal as Southampton beat Watford 3-2 at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Will Smallbone opened the scoring for the Saints in the first minute and their lead was doubled by Che Adams later in the first half – but the Hornets pulled one back through Ryan Porteous before the break.
Ismael Kone looked to have secured a point for Watford when he equalised with five minutes of normal time remaining, but Downes turned in from close range in the ninth minute of stoppage time to win the game.
However, replays appear to suggest that the ball struck the West Ham loanee on the arm before he found the net.
Watford also took to their official X account to moan about the goal, saying Downes controlled the ball with his hand before scoring.
West Ham encouraged as Flynn Downes impresses for Southampton
Even without his controversial goal, Downes produced an impressive display at the base of the Southampton midfield.
He was a combative presence in the centre of the park, winning all four of his attempted tackles, winning seven of his nine ground duels and making nine recoveries [FotMob].
The 25-year-old also took 89 touches as he looked to dictate the game from midfield – a strength he has exhibited with regularity over the course of the campaign.
The frequent slip-ups by Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Leeds United have opened the door for a potential late automatic promotion charge for Southampton – but regardless of where the Saints finish, Downes has been a significant factor in their strong season.
Given his excellent campaign, West Ham may even consider reintegrating him into the first team ahead of the 2024/25 season. That may depend, of course, on who sits in the Hammers’ dugout by then – David Moyes, or a new face.
In other West Ham news, Lucas Paqueta transfer rumours were branded “nonsense”.
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