James Ward-Prowse breaks Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier’s stunning Premier League record with free-kick double

Has James Ward-Prowse had a better half of football in his life?

The Southampton captain has scored twice, provided an assist and in the process has broken a stunning Saints Premier League record previously held by Matt Le Tissier.

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Ward-Prowse has eclipsed ‘Le God’

Before we get into that, credit must be given to Ward-Prowse for setting up Jannik Vestergaard to give Saints the lead at Aston Villa, whipping in a beautiful free-kick from the right which the Dane powerfully headed home.

And then on 34 minutes, Ward-Prowse was provider turned goalscorer as he did his trademark run-up before beautifully curling the ball beyond Emi Martinez into the top corner from 30 yards out.

But the England international wasn’t done there as he whipped yet another free-kick into the same corner on the stroke of half time, the Villa glovesman having no chance once again.

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His free-kick style is similar to Wayne Rooney’s and is arguably more effective than the Manchester United and England legend

These two strikes saw Ward-Prowse net his eighth free-kick goal in the Premier League, eclipsing Southampton’s previous record holder Le Tissier, who’s viewed as the club’s greatest ever player by many.

Le Tissier took to Twitter to congratulate the midfielder, saying: “Not even remotely bothered he’s overtaken my free kick tally.

“Couldn’t have wished for a nicer lad to beat it @Prowsey16”

Ward-Prowse also became the ninth player in Premier League history to score two direct free-kick goals in a game – the first since former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen in October 2015.

There’s still time for Ward-Prowse to get his third.