Southampton were brilliant as they took a 3-1 lead into half-time against Swansea City, but some second-half sloppiness made the game less comfortable than it should have been.
Russell Martin returned to face his former club in a game that ultimately ended 3-1 and saw Southampton beat an 123-year club record as they went 20 league games unbeaten.
Goals from Che Adams and Will Smallbone put the Saints two goals ahead after 20 minutes, before Swansea halved the deficit on 40 minutes. Flynn Downes struck on the stroke of half-time to restore the two goal buffer and that proved to be the end of the scoring.
There was a Southampton debut too, with Joe Rothwell replacing Stuart Armstrong in the 76th minute, although it was difficult for the man on loan from Bournemouth to get into the game as his side had lost control of proceedings by the time he entered the fray.
Southampton player ratings against Swansea
Gavin Bazunu – 6
Didn’t cover himself in glory for Swansea’s goal as he misread a cross and should perhaps have given away a penalty as a result, although he fact Swansea scored anyway meant it was irrelevant. Made amends with some decent saves as Southampton came under pressure late on.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 7.5
Did not maraud forward as much as he usually does down the right but was perhaps instructed by Martin to play more narrow. Few good attacking moments and continues to be one of the best players in the division.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 7
Caught out early on as he over-committed and had to take a yellow card to atone for his error but defensively sound other than that. As good as always in possession and played a lovely through ball over the top of the defence in the build up to Southampton’s second goal. Looked slightly frustrated to be the man brought off for Jack Stephens with half an hour to go.
Jan Bednarek – 7
Looked so comfortable for most of the game but dived in for Swansea’s goal and left his side outnumbered in the box. Stood firm to help get his team over the line.
Ryan Manning – 7
Good in possession and got forward well to support Ryan Fraser. Still a little suspect defensively but not troubled too much until late on. Continues to deliver well from set-pieces.
Flynn Downes – 7.5
Imperious as ever in the first half. So comfortable in possession and mixed up his passing nicely as he constantly found Fraser in acres on the left with big switches of play. Great strike on his 25th birthday for his first Southampton goal, although reluctant to celebrate against his former club. Not quite as commanding second half as he got caught on the ball on a couple of occasions.
Will Smallbone – 7.5
Looked determined to show his manager he should continue to start with Rothwell’s arrival providing more competition for his place. Slightly sloppy at times but showed his attacking instincts to break into the box and tap home the second. His shirt to lose currently.
Stuart Armstrong – 9
Phenomenal performance from the 31-year-old. Constantly found huge pockets of space in between the lines and caused Swansea problems all game long. Made the first goal with one of his trademark bursts forward from midfield as his strike was parried to Adams who tapped in, then provided the assist directly for the second and third. Seems to be getting better and better as the season goes on.
Adam Armstrong – 7
Southampton’s top scorer this season on 14 but saw a couple of good chances saved. Showed another side to his game as his vision allowed him to pick out long balls to play both Fraser and Stuart Armstrong through on goal but on both occasions his teammates’ control let them down
Che Adams – 7.5
The man of the moment in front of goal. A real poacher’s goal to open the scoring which is an element of his game has been criticised for in the past. Back to his best and when he is in the form he is now his link-up play is as good as any in the league. Could be a chaotic end to the transfer window with Martin desperate to keep Adams at the club.
Ryan Fraser – 7.5
A constant thorn in Swansea’s side as he ran in behind and stretched the defence at will. Peppered the Swansea goal all afternoon but was unable to beat Carl Rushworth. Involved in all three goals and continues to show why he deserves a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Substitutes:
Jack Stephens – 6
Sekou Mara – 6
Joe Rothwell – 6
Shea Charles – N/A