Winchester News Online
Stephens sees red as Saints suffer drubbing defeat to Blues
Southampton captain Jack Stephens received his second red card of the season after pulling Marc Cucerella’s hair, leaving his side to be battered by the in-form Chelsea side.
The Saints had shown signs of improvement after the international break, putting in a valiant performance against the league leaders Liverpool and being held at Brighton after a controversial VAR decision.
It was an end-to-end start of the game, but Chelsea would draw first blood, as Enzo Fernández’s corner met the towering header from Axel Disasi to open the scoring for the Blues.
The lead wouldn’t last long, as four minutes later, Kyle Walker-Peters danced his way past Malo Gusto, and drove in a cross for Joe Aribo, who coolly slotted it in to draw the Saints level.
But Southampton would once again be the authors of their own downfall, as a slack pass out from goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifted Nkunku the easiest goal he will ever score – Southampton’s ninth error leading to a goal already this season.
Maresca’s side would see a flurry of chances in the following 15 minutes, but Noni Madueke was the only man able to slot his curling effort into the far post.
Things went from bad to worse for the Saints, as a moment of madness from captain Jack Stephens saw him pull the hair of Marc Cucerella when lining up for a corner.
After referee Micheal Oliver checked the VAR screen, he gave the Saints skipper a straight red for his acts, and received resounding boos throughout St Mary’s.
Ten-man Saints were left defending for their lives throughout the rest of the match in order to limit the damage they had already suffered.
However, their defensive efforts could not stop Cole Palmer grabbing his eight goal of the season, and Jadon Sancho securing his first goal for the Blues since arriving in the summer.
Southampton’s style benefits opposition yet again
The second goal Southampton conceded came from an all too well-known error at the back, as Joe Lumley gave the ball directly to Christoher Nkunku, who tucked it away with little pressure.
This was the ninth time this season that a Saints error had led to a goal, four more than any other team has conceded.
A lot of questions arose before the season as to whether Russell Martin would stick to his signature style of play or adapt it to ensure survival.
But Martin has stayed dedicated to his playstyle, and while he has received plaudits from Pep Guardiola, it has also made the Saints the victims of their own demise, as they’ve struggled to translate their convincing performances from the Championship into the Premier League against tougher opposition.
Blues extend their purple patch
Chelsea have continued their unbeaten run throughout November into the new month, as this victory extends their streak to seven games.
The win also carries the Blues into second in the table, as they jump above Arsenal on goal difference.
With just two losses all season, Maresca’s side seem to have planted themselves well within the title race, but the Argentine manager claims that despite their high position and strong performances, they should not be considered title contenders.
Park and ride users in Winchester will pay an extra pound per day from next month.
Winchester City Council posted “notices of variation for charges” across park & ride car parks.
It said that the price for all-day parking will increase from £3.50 to £4.50 and seasonal tickets will rise by 28%.
Some park and ride users were critical of the increase.
One woman, who uses the service regularly, said: “I’m surprised. I haven’t read anything about that at all.
“It does seem quite a steep rise.”
A tourist visiting from Canada said: “I think the service will remain high class, but it may be a hardship for some people who may find it less affordable.”
But another man, who lives in Winchester, said: “It’s so easy, it’s worth paying. I mean, where else would we park in Winchester?”
The Winchester Green Party said any increase in charges needs to be considered carefully to ensure that users are not put off using the service.
“Park and ride plays an important role in Winchester’s transport network.
“It helps reduce congestion in the city centre, supports air quality objectives and provides an alternative to driving into some of Winchester’s busiest streets.
“From a climate perspective, the long-term objective should be to make sustainable travel options attractive, convenient and accessible.
“For many residents and visitors, park and ride remains an important part of that mix, particularly for journeys where walking, cycling or conventional public transport are not practical.”
The council said it will still be free to park on Sundays but there are no buses.
Drivers can also park for free after 4pm as long as they get a ticket.
Winchester City Council was contacted for a response.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
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