Southampton vs. Swansea: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League Game

Southampton's Champions League hopes were dealt a blow as Jonjo Shelvey claimed all three points for Swansea at St Mary's Stadium.

The former Liverpool midfielder struck from 25 yards with a thunderous 83rd-minute strike after the home side had dominated possession throughout the game without serious threat on goal.

The Saints' disappointment was compounded before the end of the game when Ryan Bertrand was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Swansea substitute Modou Barrow.

The defeat saw Arsenal move level on points with Southampton, while Swansea celebrated their first Premier League win since Boxing Day.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman made just one change to his team, with Maya Yoshida replacing Florin Gardos.

Kyle Naughton debuted for Swansea as one of six changes Garry Monk made. 

The Saints were almost ahead in the seventh minute when Lukasz Fabianski saved with his feet from a close-range James Ward-Prowse effort.

The home side were in control, but a failure to test Fabianski almost cost them dearly when Bafetimbi Gomis went close at the other end of the field.

Swansea were forced into an early change, though, as Marvin Emnes was withdrawn from the game through injury to be replaced by Barrow.

There was a bizarre moment in the Swansea area when Ashley Williams pushed over Yoshida inside the area as the pair jostled for position at a corner, but referee Michael Oliver ignored the incident with the ball not in play.

Chances remained at a premium as the first half continued, but the home side remained the dominant force in the opening half-hour with Nathaniel Clyne looking particularly dangerous down the right flank.

Dusan Tadic was almost granted a half-chance in the 32nd minute from an Eljero Elia cross, but the midfielder could not find the target.

Neil Taylor became the first booking of the game in the 43rd minute for bringing down Elia, but the subsequent free-kick came to nothing for Southampton.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster had not been required in the first half but almost gifted Taylor a chance to open the scoring in the 58th minute with a poor clearance.

Shelvey then made a move goalward before firing against Forster's goalpost.

The Saints made their first change in the 63rd minute as Sadio Mane came on to replace Harrison Reed and provide an attacking spark.

Yoshida conceded a free-kick outside the area and earned a yellow card for a foul on Barrow moments later, but Shelvey struck the ball into the wall.

However, despite that flurry of interest, the game returned to the same dynamics of the first half, with Southampton owning possession but failing to break through a resilient Swansea.

In the 83rd minute, though, Southampton were made to pay for failing to create greater chances. The former Liverpool midfielder took up the ball 25 yards from goal and drifted away from two Saints players before unleashing a drive into Forster's top-left corner.

Williams proved his worth to Swansea at the other end when he twice cleared from Mane off the goal-line.

Southampton were dealt a further blow in the 89th minute when Ryan Bertrand was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge at Barrow, and the Swansea sub was carried from the field.

The incident summed up Southampton's day as Swansea waltzed off with the three points.

Selected Player Ratings

Nathaniel Clyne: A-

The Southampton full-back enjoyed a tremendous game, marauding down the right flank at will but also undone by a resolute Swansea defence.

Ashley Williams: A+

Marshalled a resilient Swansea defence in the first period and deserved credit for his role in keeping the scoreline goal-less at the interval. The captain made numerous clearances, including a vital double stop in the closing stages.

James Ward-Prowse: A

The midfielder almost celebrated his new Southampton contract with the opening goal, but his passing was perfect in the first half.

What's ahead

Southampton are back in Premier League action next Saturday when they travel to Queens Park Rangers. Swansea City entertain Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium on the same day.

Post-Match Reaction

"

Significant win for Swansea at Southampton as @GarryMonk16 beats @RonaldKoeman in the battle of the twitter bosses.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 1, 2015"