AAP Soccer

Souttar scores own goal on winning Premier League debut

By AAP Newswire

Feb 5, 2023

Harry Souttar own goal — Socceroo Harry Souttar scored an own goal but ended up making a winning EPL debut for Leicester. -AP

Harry Souttar has overcome the nightmare of scoring an own goal on his Premier League debut by going on to impress in Leicester's 4-2 victory at Aston Villa.

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The big Socceroo , fresh from being snapped up for a record-breaking $26 million from Stoke on transfer deadline day, was thrust straight into top-flight action by manager Brendan Rodgers on Saturday.

And the 24-year-old couldn't have a worse introduction when, with the scores locked at 1-1 at Villa Park just after the half-hour, home striker OllieÂ Watkins smacked a half-cross, half-shot which took a heavy deflection into the net off the hapless Scottish-born defender.

For the only Australian international currently on duty in the Premier League, it was a cruel start to top-flight life but Souttar wasn't put off as he then had a solid game at the back while his side roared back from 2-1 down to earn three key points in their relegation battle.

Watkins' early strike and Souttar's own goal saw Unai Emery's Villa twice go ahead, but they were pegged back by srikes from the Foxes' James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Brazilian Tete, who was also signed in the transfer window alongside Souttar, then scored - at the right end - on his debut before substitute Dennis Praet wrapped up the win, courtesy of ropey Villa defending.

A relieved Souttar could then celebrate a crucial three points as Leicester moved up to 13th place in the table, three points clear of the drop zone.