James Ward-Prowse returned to Southampton and played a pivotal role in the club’s comprehensive 5-1 victory over Millwall in a Championship match held at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. The 31-year-old midfielder, who rejoined Southampton from West Ham United on Friday, was introduced at half-time to a warm reception as he made his second debut for the club, nearly 15 years after his first.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert praised Ward-Prowse’s immediate impact, highlighting the midfielder’s experience and technical ability. “It’s not easy to come on at half-time and we’ve just seen the quality of a player he is, how much he can give us on the ball,” Eckert said. “He’s a big presence and knows the club inside out. It’s just so good to have him around. He’s going to be very important for us this season.”

The match began with Millwall pressing strongly, taking an early lead in the 15th minute through Mark Sykes. His powerful shot deflected off Southampton’s new signing Keven Schlotterbeck before finding the net. Despite the early setback, the hosts responded decisively. Kyle Larin scored twice, supported by goals from Finn Azaz, Tom Fellows, and a penalty converted by Leo Scienza, overturning Millwall’s advantage.

Millwall manager Alex Neil expressed frustration with his side’s defensive lapses, particularly in conceding from set-pieces. “For 25 minutes we were very good. We took the lead and I thought the boys should have scored another,” Neil stated. “For us to then concede from a set-piece is bitterly disappointing. The grittiness and resilience we usually have was missing for the last 20 minutes. When you play a good team that’s clinical, it can give you a bloody nose and that’s happened.”

The victory propelled Southampton off the bottom of the Championship standings, providing a much-needed boost after a challenging start to the season. Ward-Prowse’s return is viewed as a key factor in the club’s efforts to improve their fortunes in the league moving forward.