Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu showed his value at the other end of the field on Wednesday, as his header helped rescue a point for Southampton at Preston North End.
With the Saints trailing 2-1 in the dying moments at Deepdale, Bazunu ventured for a corner in an attempt to help his side salvage something from the game.
The Dubliner went and did just that, as he rose highest to get his head onto the set-piece and divert it into the net, admittedly via the head of Preston forward Ched Evans.
The goal has officially been credited as an own goal but Bazunu did make a strong connection with the ball before it made its way off Evans and through a number of bodies.
Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu claims a stoppage-time leveller! 😮
But did he score it?! 🧐 pic.twitter.com/CPCcUue2Lg— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 25, 2023
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Gavin Bazunu header helps to rescue point
The game then finished 2-2, with Ireland fans now very excited at the prospect of Bazunu rescuing some crucial Nations League points over the coming years.
As well as putting the cat amongst the pigeons in the opposition box, Bazunu did his main job well on Wednesday, pulling off a fine save with his foot as Southampton led 1-0 in the first half.
Bazunu amazing save and Charles with the follow up 😂 pic.twitter.com/75Ux1nYn8w
— Liam 🏴🪄 (@liamtribb) October 25, 2023
Southampton manager Russell Martin told media after he was delighted to secure the point away from home.
“It’s frustrating that we’ve had to pretty much rely on a late goal to get a point, but I’m really happy with the way we’ve performed over the 90 minutes.”
“We needed to defend our box much better, but when they scored twice pretty quickly it seemed to energise Preston and their fans and that didn’t help our situation.
“I can’t be unhappy with the performance overall and I won’t criticise the players, because we’ve had to make changes again tonight and the lads who came in were great.
“It’s a dramatic one I know, but the two 10-minute periods either side of half-time have cost us in the end.
Earlier, Will Smallbone, Bazunu's teammate for club and country, provided an assist for Kyle Walker-Peters to give the visitors the lead.
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