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    Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s ex-wife and how many kids do the pair have?

    HAMMERS striker Michail Antonio met his ex-wife Debbie Whittle in January 2011.The pair formed a strong relationship, growing from best friends to husband and wife, but split up after the birth of their fourth child.On December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash.Who is Michail Antonio’s ex-wife?On July 6 2017, the couple agreed to tie the knot before holding their wedding ceremony at Staffordshire stately home.In January 2024, Antonio appeared on the High Performance Podcast opening up about his recent divorce from his ex-wife and the role of therapy throughout his career. The striker said: “‘I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. “After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.Michail Antonio and his ex-wife Debbie Whittle on their fifth wedding anniversary”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like “Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship.”Antonio opened up about the pressure to perform for a new contract at the elite level.Most read in FootballHe said: “As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.”So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.”I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. “At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, “How are you?””And your natural response is “Fine”. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, “To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus”.’How many children does Michail Antonio have?The Hammers striker likes to keep his private life out of the public eye but it is known that he has four children with ex-wife Debbie.Junior, Miles and Myla have all featured on Antonio’s social media.In June 2020, the striker announced the birth of his fourth child with Debbie Whittle. During lockdown, Antonio home-schooled his eldest three children whilst juggling the birth of his youngest.The West Ham striker and his family on Christmas eveHe said: “I’ve got three kids and my wife was pregnant until she had a baby on Sunday, so it was difficult home schooling and getting the time to go for runs and stuff.”But knowing that the season was going to get back on, we just needed to get on top of it and ensure we stayed fit because we knew we weren’t going to have much time to get back into it.“Aaaarghhhhh! I feel like home schooling should be a torture! “If someone is doing something wrong, you should send kids to them and go ‘teach these kids!’ because, do you know what, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and it made me emotional. “Teachers, I appreciate you!”Horror car crashOn December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed the striker had been involved in a horror car crash.In a post on X, they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Photographs from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. More

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    Furious Pep Guardiola confronts referee after Man City draw with Crystal Palace and red card that can’t be overturned

    FUMING Pep Guardiola confronted the referee on the pitch following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.The reigning champions lost more ground in the title race as they were held to just a point at Selhurst Park by Oliver Glasner’s side.Rico Lewis was sent off for a second yellow card after this challenge on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: ReutersAn angry Pep Guardiola confronted referee Robert Jones after the gameCredit: PADaniel Munoz had given Palace the lead after just four minutes before Erling Haaland looped a header into the goal on the half hour mark.The second half then saw Maxence Lacroix head home a far post corner before Rico Lewis netted the second equaliser for City.But the England international went from hero to zero as he was sent off by Robert Jones with a second yellow card for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah even though it appeared he had come off worse.VAR could not overturn the decision – which was the first red card of Lewis’ career – due to it being a second yellow card rather than a straight red.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe only time VAR is permitted to intervene for a second yellow card is when there is a belief the card should be upgraded to a straight red.City stars on the pitch were adamant the decision was an error and confronted Jones both at the time and after the game.However, manager Guardiola also took to the pitch after the game to speak to the ref and assistant refs.He was seen with his hands in his pockets saying something to them before walking away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking after the game, the Spaniard said: “So proud of the team. I liked everything of the team, how we fought. We have a lot of problems with our squad.”We fought incredible. We came back twice. It’s a difficult place to come. We struggled in the beginning. We gave everything and we take a point.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans “Long balls, second balls, they’re stronger than us. We started the second half a bit sloppy. After 2-1 we reacted well.”We lost another player defensively for the next game for a second yellow card.”With Liverpool’s clash at Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh, City’s point in London moved them to eight behind the league leaders. More

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    West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus when you stake £10 on football with Tote

    THE battle of the two under pressure managers comes on Monday Night Football when West Ham host Wolves. And bookmakers Tote are celebrating by offering brand new customers a whopping £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the top-flight showdown when you sign up and stake £10!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereWest Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either horse racing or football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £40 welcome bonusWest Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Tote have a fantastic promotion available for brand new customers with a colossal £40 welcome bonus up for grabs.It’s easy to claim. Simply visit the Tote website and register a new account using the Promo Code: B10G40Once that’s sorted, deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either racing, football or other sports at odds of Evens or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza.West Ham vs Wolves: Get £40 welcome bonus — claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    West Ham issues major health update after star Michail Antonio involved in horror crash

    WEST Ham star Michail Antonio is “conscious and communicating” after a horror crash.The club issued a major update after the terrifying smash in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm today.Michail Antonio is ‘conscious and communicating’ after a horror crashCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe scene of the horrific crashCredit: XThe incident occurred earlier todayCredit: XThey confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and is being treated at a London hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.A witness told The Sun how the footballer was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes before being cut free by fire crews. A source added how the West Ham star’s legs have been “shattered” in the crash.In an update the club wrote on X: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Most read in FootballEarlier today they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. “On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals. More

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    Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

    MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

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    Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: Bees keep up pace in race for European football but Toon’s winless slump continues

    EDDIE HOWE’S unbeaten record against Brentford came to a crashing halt as The Bees finally broke their Newcastle hoodoo.Howe had never lost a Premier League match against Brentford after facing them six times, but his Toon Army have not travelled well this season.Bryan Mbeumo fired Brentford ahead after eight minutesCredit: ReutersMbeumo wheels off in celebrationCredit: PABy losing more than half of their 27 top flight away matches they are in a similar bracket to the likes of Wolves, and also The Bees.Yet they had been a bogey side for The Bees who had lost nine and drawn the other of the previous 10 league meetings between these sides, since a 1-0 home victory in the second tier in January 1948.Brentford’s solitary defeat in their last 13 home league games was 4-2 against Newcastle on the final day of last season. Plus, Newcastle were the only one of Brentford’s 25 Premier League opponents they had never beaten in the top flight.The Magpies would have arrived in London with high hopes following their eye-catching 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday, and with a proud record against Brentford.READ MORE IN football A league-high total of 34 goals had been scored at Gtech Community Stadium before yesterday, and we were treated to six more on a day when the country was advised to baton down the hatches thanks to Storm Darragh.The goal feast started early when Bryan Mbeumo jinked his way into the box and fired Brentford ahead after eight minutes.Alexander Isak stooped to head an equaliser three minutes later, but Harvey Barnes’ woeful cross-field pass after 28 minutes went straight to Yoane Wissa and he punished Newcastle with a fine finish.Barnes atoned four minutes later when he swivelled in the box and scored with a shot inside the far post.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: RexIsaak celebrates with Jacob MurphyCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDefender Nathan Collins restored the lead after 56 minutes before Kevin Shade came off the bench and completed the win in the final minute, lifting The Bees into the top six.Howe pulled a surprise by resting two of his key midfielders, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, starting them on the bench.It didn’t stop The Magpies making a fast start as in the second minute Sean Longstaff fired a fierce drive from the edge of the box which crashed off the bar.Brentford heeded the warning as Mbeumo scored one of his trademark specials.Skipper Christian Norgaard, back from injury for his 100th Premier League appearance, picked him out on the right edge of the box with a ball from inside his own half, and he skipped inside Lewis Hall and Joelinton before curling his shot high inside the near post.That took Mbeumo to nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, equalling his career-best tally set in each of the previous two seasons, and it ended a run of five matches without a goal.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa put Brentford back aheadCredit: PABrentford were back in the leadCredit: ReutersThe lead lasted just three minutes as Jacob Murphy swung in a cross from the right and Isak stooped at the far post to plant a header back across Flekken.Impressively, Isak has now been directly involved in seven goals in as many league games, scoring five and setting up two.His record should have gotten even better when he had a free run at goal as he cut in from the right after 19 minutes. He skipped past Flekken but delayed his shot and the goalkeeper saved the day by clawing the ball to safety.Barnes was guilty of a shocking error when he misplaced a pass from the halfway line across his back four. It went straight to Wissa who carried it to the edge of the box before planting it in the far top corner – his ninth goal in Brentford’s past six home league games.Harvey Barnes again levelled for NewcastleCredit: PAThe game was back onCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal meant he equalled Ivan Toney’s record of 19 Premier League goals scored at the Gtech Community Stadium.It was a case of “to you, to me” however, as Barnes made amends when Murphy provided another assist as he found him in the box with enough time to turn and shoot low inside the post.The woodwork prevented Wissa scoring again two minutes after the break, as his shot hit the arm of goalkeeper Nick Pope – who probably didn’t know much about it – and bounced off the post.There was no escape, however, when Flekken’s free kick into the box eluded everyone and Collins steered it inside the far post for his second of the season.Gordon and Tonali were introduced and although Tonali wasted a decent chance after 84 minutes when he headed over, their impact was minimal.And any hope of Howe rescuing his record was gone when Kevin Schade wrapped up the win in the dying moments. Although The Bees had gone into this game boasting the Premier League’s best home record, earning 19 points from seven games and scoring 22 goals, there were question marks over the quality of opponent during that run.Their six wins came against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich, Bournemouth and Leicester. READ MORE SUN STORIESOf that group, only Bournemouth are not struggling for points at the wrong end of the table.Beating Newcastle will be deemed a proper scalp.Nathan Collins put Brentford back in the leadCredit: RexCollins sent Brentford on their way to victoryCredit: PAKevin Schade wrapped up the winCredit: RexBrentford are on track for European footballCredit: Getty More

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    Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2: Rico Lewis scores and then sees red as Man City lose yet more ground on Liverpool

    PEP GUARDIOLA cannot get a break. Even when he gets a break.Yet as Manchester City’s Prem misery deepened at Selhurst Park, the sense that even the Catalan magician knows the title is a lost cause was hard to shift.Rico Lewis saw red after a tackle on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: PAPep Guardiola saw his team drop points once againCredit: AlamyCity stars confronted the referee after the gameCredit: ReutersBut Crystal Palace were worth their point earned by goals from Daniel Munoz and Maxence LacroixCredit: GettyIn normal circumstances, finding a way to battle back on terms twice and dominating long periods would have been a sign of City slowly starting to find their feet.But these are not normal circumstances.Not when City have lost four of the previous five league matches to have been blown off title pace before they walked into the teeth of Storm Darragh.And dropping more points, as well as seeing Rico Lewis sent off for two cautions in the space of a quarter of an hour when they should have been pushing for the winner, added to City’s winter woes.read more in footballThere is something wrong with City. Badly wrong.Everyone can see it. Everyone HAS seen it.Yes, at times they can briefly recapture that swagger and poise, can appear on the cusp of regaining their confidence.But it only takes the next mistake to rip that veneer of self-belief away and display the gaping vulnerabilities.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMistakes that continue to emerge under pressure, that allowed Daniel Munoz and then Maxence Lacroix to twice put Palace ahead.In the end, after terrific replies from first Erling Halaand and then, before his dismissal, Lewis, those moments were not enough to earn Palace their first home win over City since 2015 – before Guardiola took the Etihad helm.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig There are reasons, of course. The City missing list is seemingly limitless – and growing with every passing week.Guardiola, already without John Stones, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb, travelled down to the capital without both bronchitis victim Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji.But there cannot be ANY excuses for a team with City’s financial resources.Injuries are simply part of football and it has been Guardiola’s choice to drop Ederson and play Stefan Ortega in goal.What was an additional factor, though, were the conditions, teeming rain and the threat of 50mph-plus winds.Not that the conditions were responsible for the opener, inside four minutes.Jean-Philippe Mateta span off the lazy Josko Gvardiol to play a return to Will Hughes.The midfielder spotted that Lewis had switched off, allowing Daniel Munoz – played onside by Ruben Dias – to run in on goal.Munoz obliged, his drive flicking the inside of Ortega’s glove on its way to the net.Appeals for a VAR reprieve, led by Dias, correctly fell on deaf ears at Stockley Park.Initially, it looked darker for City as Haaland, of all people, wasted two chances to put them back on terms.The first was just three minutes later, when Kevin de Bruyne played perfectly in behind the Palace backline.You would have put your house on Haaland. Instead, he smashed into the face of the onrushing Dean Henderson.Then Haaland shrugged aside Maxence Lacroix to find de Bruyne but overran the return pass, allowing the home defence to hack clear.Ismaila Sarr spooned over from the edge of the box fro Palace before Henderson’s left-hand upright denied Ilkay Gundogan’s volley, with Savinho frustrated as he steered the rebound wide of the other post.But after a brilliant block by Dias prevented Jefferson Lerma making it two after Munoz shrugged off Lewis’ attentions and linked up with Sarr and Mateta, City did equalise.Nunes flung in a ball to the back post where Haaland rose as high as a skyscraper, out-jumping both Henderson and Marc Guehi – back wearing the regular armband after the week’s rainbow furore – and raising his left arm as his header floated into the far corner.Instead of waiting to be congratulated, Haaland urged his team-mates to join him for an impromptu huddle inside the PALACE box before they returned to their own half.Lacroix just prevented De Bruyne’s low cross finding Haaland in front of goal before the interval.City were starting to play, Palace forced deep. Only for Guardiola’s men to cause themselves more damage.Hughes, gifted the ball 30 out, saw his shot deflected behind but jogged over to take the right-wing corner.It looked a routine, middle of the six yard box inswinger.But Ortega was stuck like a statue, Walker got caught underneath the ball, and Lacroix cashed in, thumping home an unstoppable header from close range.Another defeat would have been true crisis.Instead, Palace were unpicked after a drop ball, quick passes between Gundogan, de Bruyne and finally Bernardo Silva creating the opening for Lewis, running through the channel, to lash high right-footed past the stranded Henderson.No celebrations for this goal either – City knew a point was not enough.Henderson clawed away a deflected Savinho effort, Haaland’s header was touched over the bar and you expected the storm to overwhelm Palace.But Lewis, booked for dissent soon after his goal, slid in to send Chalobah flying inside the Palace box, a needless foul that sent them down to 10.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf anyone was going to win it after that, it was Palace. Which tells you all you need to know. More

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    Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0: Saints now EIGHT POINTS adrift at bottom of Prem as Emery’s side close gap on Man City

    ASTON VILLA battered Southampton’s defence as relentlessly as Storm Darragh – but only had Jhon Duran’s first goal since September to show for all their huffing and puffing.The big Colombian celebrated his first Premier League start of the season with a first-half winner.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran scored the winner against SouthamptonCredit: GettySouthampton are now in deeper relegation troubleCredit: PAAston Villa have closed the gap with Manchester CityCredit: AFPAston Villa have won their second game in a row after eight winless matchesCredit: GettyBut Ollie Watkins missed a hat-trick of chances and goalkeeper Joe Lumley blocked a stoppage-time effort from John McGinn with his legs to defy Unai Emery’s men.Villa will just be pleased to head for the warmth of the home dressing room with three points bagged ahead of their Champions League trip to RB Leipzig as they climbed to fifth.But Russell Martin’s toothless Saints didn’t manage one shot on target which is why they remain rooted to the foot of the table.We’ll all miss Southampton when they eventually return to the Championship – for comedy value alone.Read More on FootballBefore Saints fans get their hackles up, you can’t really argue that’s harsh when your travelling support are singing: ‘How s**t must you be, it’s only 1-0?’ after half an hour!There is no such thing as a dull game when Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are in town.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Ryan Manning gave the home fans a scare after nine minutes with a low shot which clipped the inside of Diego Carlos’s boot and flew just wide, to Emi Martinez’s relief.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThen Ezri Konsa had to hurl himself into a brilliant blocking tackle to deny Cameron Archer, who had pulled the trigger from 12 yards after some sloppy defending from Villa.But there were already tell-tale signs that Saints defence was getting bored with such a steady start.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadThey almost blundered trying to play the ball out from the back when Morgan Rogers pounced only to have his shot deflected for a corner by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Two minutes later Rogers played Duran through on goal as the Saints defence was caught napping.However a brilliantly-timed diving save from Lumley thwarted the Colombian battering ram as he managed to whip the ball off the striker’s toes.But the fun really began midway through the first half when Nathan Wood played a passback to Lumley, who then tried to play to a fellow Saint….. eight yards from his own goal-line!Boubacar Kamara had sniffed out the opportunity, intercepted and the ball broke to McGinn whose shot was desperately blocked.But Saints’ stay of execution only lasted for another 60 seconds as they imploded in the 24th minute.Duran with the winnerThey actually had Villa pinned back with an aggressive high press.When Konsa played in Carlos there was no other option available to the Spaniard other than to play a long hopeful pass into the inside right channel.Then let Duran do the rest!The Colombian kid must be an absolute nightmare to play against.Wood looked favourite to clear the ball until the young battering ram eased him off it.Harwood-Bellis took over but Duran cleverly picked his pocket, nicking the ball off his toes before bursting clear.Aston Villa could capitaliseHe rag-dolled Wood as he attempted to recover then calmly clipped the ball beyond the onrushing Lumley who had sprinted to the edge of his box to try and avert the danger.However there was no stopping Duran from bagging his fifth Premier League goal of the season and his first since he netted against Wolves on September 21.But try as they might, Villa couldn’t capitalise on that lead.Rogers came close with a driving run and low cross which flew across the face of Saints goal but there were no takers from one yard out.Duran had another shot blocked by Wood but at half-time Villa’s lead remained a slender one.However they were up against a team who had enjoyed more of the pressure – Saints had 52.10 per cent of the first-half play – yet hadn’t managed a single shot on target.Martin tried to beef up his attack by sending on Joe Aribo for James Bree at the break.And Konsa did well to head a wicked Kyle Walker-Peters cross over his own bar under pressure from Adam Armstrong.But Emery saw Martin’s substitution and raised the stakes by sending on FOUR subs before the hour.Lucas Digne, Jaden Philogene, Ross Barkley and Watkins replaced Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans and Duran.But the pattern of the game never changed with Villa continually knocking on the door but Saints somehow managing to keep it locked for once.Watkins had a shot blocked before Pau Torres headed over from the resulting corner.Southampton created threatsSaints had a rare sight on goal when Tyler Dibling burst clear and picked out Archer but Kamara – who was superb throughout – got back to block.Eighteen-year-old sub Sam Amo-Ameyaw then curled over a teasing cross which threatened to creep in at the back post until Martinez dived to clutch it.That was as close as Saints got to a shot on target.Meanwhile, Villa continued to squander good chances.Watkins set up Barkley six-yards out but Wood got back to brilliantly block.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Saints defender then managed to clear a Watkins effort off the line before he punched the air defiantly after blocking the England striker, who was sent clear by Rogers.All Martin needs is another four defenders like Wood! More