Charles: I love scoring headers
Shea Charles was delighted to mark his Southampton home debut with a thumping headed goal – his favourite way to score.
Saints trailed 2-0 after just 17 minutes to Premier League visitors Bournemouth at St Mary’s, before Charles pulled one back on the stroke of half time, heading home a free-kick from fellow summer signing Ryan Manning.
The hosts grew stronger over the course of the game, drawing level through substitute Stuart Armstrong, but the Cherries won it late on as David Brooks struck an 86th-minute winner.
“It was a great feeling – a header as well, that almost makes it better,” Charles said of his goal. “I love scoring headers. Especially at home, it’s good to do it here.
“It’s definitely a confidence booster, especially being 2-0 down, it’s difficult to come back. To get the goal was a good feeling, and I feel like I improved throughout the game.”
On the match as a whole, Charles says Saints will take heart from pushing a top-flight side all the way.
“It was a good game,” he added. “We played well, especially in the second half.
“They pressed us well in the first half and then at half time we sorted it out and it opened up a bit for us, so we got a bit more joy in the second half.
“Half time came at a good time, after the goal. Obviously, as I said, we sorted stuff out, especially against a good side, it’s good to see that we can do it against Premier League opponents.
“The coaching staff have been really good, really clear with how they want us to play, which is really good as a player – you can tell the whole team loves playing that way. Obviously still got bits to work on, but it’ll come, come the start of the season.”
