James Ward-Prowse fires free-kick double as Southampton sink faltering Aston Villa

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse (right) celebrates the first of his two freekick goals in a 4-3 win over Aston Villa (Gareth Copley/PA)

James Ward-Prowse’s masterclass sent Southampton into the top three as the Saints survived a late Aston Villa fightback to win 4-3.

England midfielder Ward-Prowse celebrated his 26th birthday in style with two brilliant free kicks at Villa Park to help lift the impressive Saints above Villa into third place.