Adams’ first a wonder goal
SOUTHAMPTON: If anticipation sharpens the appetite, just imagine the scenes which would have greeted Che Adams’ strike for Southampton.
Not because it was a goal which sunk mighty Manchester City, nor that it was an exquisitely timed lob from 35 metres out.
But because it was the striker’s first goal for a club which had signed him a year ago as a solution to a goal drought.
Things hadn’t exactly turned out as planned for Adams or the Saints. From notching 22 league goals for Birmingham City last season, he endured a barren first year at Southampton.
The youngster’s swagger had taken a bashing, but Adams’ teammates and manager formed a tight circle around the striker.
A week ago coach Ralph Hasenhuettl was on the pitch jumping and celebrating when he mistakenly thought Adams had opened his account in Southampton’s win over Watford, before realising the striker’s shot had crept wide.
“Everybody’s waiting for this moment and maybe it will come against Manchester City,” the Austrian boss said presciently.
And so it did, in some style. Pressing the visitors high, Stuart Armstrong dispossessed a casual Oleksandr Zinchenko, the ball bobbled loose and Adams displayed the instinct the club had paid for all those months ago, timing his strike to perfection.
“It means the world to me,” he said. “It’s been a hard couple of months, but we got there today.
“Obviously I’m buzzing, all the lads have helped me along the way. Everyone has kept faith in me including the fans, the staff, the players so I’m just delighted.
“From last week the lads were on their knees begging me to score... there was no hesitation at all. As soon as I looked up I knew what I was going to do.”