VIDEO: A day like in a fairy tale! 30 years ago, Southampton’s ‘Le God’ scored two goals in a single match that would have made even the biggest stars proud

On 24th of October 1993, a seemingly ordinary football match with Newcastle took place at Southampton’s stadium. But in the end, it is remembered by Saints´ fans as the day that characterised their ‘Le God’. Starring Matt Le Tissier.

Let’s recall a story of loyalty and love for football

A jewel not often seen in football today. Instead of winning titles, he chose the way of his heart. Although he could have played for any leading club in England, he set out on a journey to become a big fish in a small lake.

Matt Le Tissier may not be the most famous man in world football. But it is certainly worth remembering his impressive story. A story that includes a love of football, loyalty and plenty of memorable football moments.

Although he was born on the island of Guernsey, part of the Channel Islands, he moved to the Great Britain at the age of 17. Here he was signed into the youth structures by Southampton and it was a synergy that has lasted forever.

Although he could have gone on to fight for titles thanks to his incredible football skills, he went down in Southampton history as one of the club’s legends. He lasted for an incredible 17 years at Saints before taking to the path of non-league football.

He played a total of 461 games for Southampton, scoring 164 goals. Le Tissier thus became the second highest goalscorer in the club’s history behind Mick Channon, an incredible number considering the fact that he was primarily an offensive midfielder.

It should be added that a lot of those goals came from penalty kicks. But if you want to diminish his merits, that’s definitely not that case. During his career as a professional footballer, he converted 47 out of 48 attempts, and rightfully so, he is considered one of the best penalty takers in the history of football.

As mentioned, Le Tissier was a midfielder who could play not only under strikers. Of course, his amazing creativity and dribbling skills also allowed him to play on the wings. Although he was never a runner (in terms of speed and stamina), it was his ball work and decision making skills that made him an exceptional player.

30 years ago, Matt Le Tissier scored two incredible goals in a single game

It was these skills that he showed on 24th October 1993 in a Premier League ninth round match. Back then, Southampton hosted Newcastle and it was Le Tissier who was clearly the star of the match.

Yet it was not at all certain that he would start the game that day, as he sat on the bench on five consecutive occasions. However, it was in the Newcastle game that the team boss Ian Branfoot bet on him and he certainly didn’t regret his decision.

Le Tissier’s star shone to the full in the 62nd minute when he got on the ball in the visiting team’s half. He flicked a tricky ball that came behind his back, flicked his foot in front of him, rounded one player, made a beautiful chip around another and coolly sent his team into the lead. A beautiful football moment.

Eleven minutes later Andy Cole reduced the deficit for the away side, but two minutes before the end of regulation time Le Tissier shone again. He worked the ball just outside the penalty area with his knee and gave goalkeeper Hooper no chance with a quick and accurate shot.

A stellar game broke his manager’s confidence in his ability. During the season he started as a member of the starting line-up and scored an incredible 21 goals in the remaining thirty duels. It was also thanks to his performances that Southampton held on by just a one point in the Premier League.

It is not only his incredible football skills, but especially his dedication and love for the club, that has led Southampton fans to nickname him “Le God” to this day.

Source: Premier League, Wikipedia, Twitter/X