On an afternoon where Tonda Eckert’s side had the better of the chances, Saints were left to rue missed opportunities.
A Kieffer Moore header and a Keven Schlotterbeck own goal either side of James Ward-Prowse’s first back in a Saints shirt decided what will go down as a frustrating occasion going into a break with plenty to decide.
Here are five of the stand out talking points…
Ward-Prowse’s bittersweet moment
Since returning to his boyhood club, James Ward-Prowse has impressed back in a Saints shirt.
The midfielder has come close on a few occasions to scoring his first goal back and finally did just that at the Racecourse Ground.
Emotion spilled out of the former Saints captain, who produced his trademark golf swing celebration in front of the travelling supporters.
In the end, the result didn’t follow and, as much as he would have been delighted to score, the 31 year old remained professional post-match and maintained a disappointed manner after defeat.
A special moment for Prowsey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/A5ssXcSvay
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 20, 2026
Larin out of character
Cyle Larin has been subject to immense praise for his outstanding start to the season with seven league goals.
Perhaps that has set unrealistic expectations, but the striker was off form in North Wales.
No player had more touches in the opposition box (eight) or took more shots (five) than the Canadian.
It never looked like it was going to be his day but still lasted 86 minutes before being replaced by Divin Mubama.
Getting booked for asking for an opposition player to be booked for a foul pretty much summed up his day.
Saints cannot rely on Larin to fire every single match, but the lack of alternatives means that that’s the current reality.
(Image: Cody Froggatt/PA)
Saints forced to bite their tounge
After Wrexham released a video pre-match where their Hollywood owners made a light-hearted joke about Spygate, Saints fans were awaiting a quip in response, assuming their team won of course.
Unfortunately, it was Wrexham who still had the final laugh as they posted another gag relating to being beaten 5-1 by Saints before they were found guilty of cheating.
Phil Parkinson made a point post-match that the Welsh club accepted the EFL’s decision at the time when they could have made their own case as the side that finished seventh.
Saints had to leave Wales biting their tongue and with their tail between their legs.
Away hoodoo continues
Saints will feel as though their performances have warranted a better tally of points on the road this season, but ultimately they remain winless.
The question has been asked as to why the home form hasn’t been replicated away yet, but no one really has had an answer.
Moments decide matches and Saints have been able to take better advantage at St Mary’s, be that psychological or for other reasons.
Safe travels home, Saints.
We’ll be back after the break 👊 pic.twitter.com/4kn9Y7W58l
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 19, 2026
End of an error
Regardless of the outcome, it will be a relief to see the end of the Spygate saga with Eckert’s FA hearing expected to take place on Thursday, with an outcome potentially coming as early as Friday.
Over four months have passed since Saints were kicked out of the play-off final and the situation has dragged on for far too long.
Saints will wait nervously for the FA to make their decision on what sanction faces the head coach but it feels as though the German won’t walk away without some sort of ban.
The severity is still anyone’s guess.