Dan gives his verdict on the win against Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon, a result which lifted us back into the top ten.
Southampton re-entered the top half of the Premier League table with a well-deserved win at home to Middlesbrough. After a good performance, Sofiane Boufal’s 25-yard screamer guaranteed the hosts all three points.
After a disappointing exit in the Europa League on Thursday night, Saints needed a reaction to keep the players and staff and fans on speaking terms and the win definitely improved moods that had been sour after the exit.
Both sides started the day the league’s joint bottom goal scorers with 13 goals apiece which meant a goal-fest wasn’t likely. Boro looked toothless upfront for the entire ninety minutes but their best chance came from a Viktor Fisher shot that was cleared off of the line by Jose Fonte, who received a fantastic display from the fans after a report of a possible contract rejection, after a careless pass could’ve given the visitors the lead.
Jay Rodriguez was given the chance to start just his second Premier League game this season after Charlie Austin missed out through injury (and has since been ruled out for three months). He managed to test Victor Valdes in the first half but his shot went straight at the Spaniard.
After a bright start, Saints needed a little bit of magic in the second half and that magic came in the form of the club’s record signing, Sofiane Boufal who’s shot from 25 yards fizzed and curled past the ex-Barcelona and Man United goalkeeper, earning the Moroccan his first Premier League goal and one to remember.
Saints should’ve tied the game up, something they haven’t been able to do this season, especially when Jay Rodriguez was found by substitute Redmond with an across goal pass but his touch caused the ball to fly over the cross bar meaning that they had to settle for another 1-0 win.
Man of the Match: This award could go to a few players but I need to give it to our goal-scorer, Sofiane Boufal. He now looks settled after his record-fee transfer in August with skills to pay the bills and a memorable strike. He completed plenty of dribbles and is able to nick the ball off of the defender in dangerous areas. Cuco Martina, Jordy Clasie and James Ward-Prowse also had very good performances.
What next?
Saints travel to the Bet 365 Stadium on Wednesday night to play Stoke City. A tough but winnable fixture and three points would give Saints a huge advantage as they lead Stoke by just a point.