Southampton secured a vital win in their bid to avoid relegation on Saturday as they cast aside Bournemouth with a 2-1 victory.
Saints knew that only a win would do in this one and despite their counterparts levelling on the stroke of half-time, they came away with a potentially crucial three points.
The hosts took the lead as a swift counter-attack was started by Nathan Redmond, engineered by Mario Lemina and finished well by Dusan Tadic.
Josh King equalised just before the interval after finding space in the area, but Tadic’s delightful, poked finish beyond Asmir Begovic wrapped up three points for his side.
There were a number of impressive performers on the day for Saints, with Tadic particularly impressing. However, we’re giving our man of the match award to Alex McCarthy.
Simply put, Southampton would have lost but for his sublime goalkeeping throughout the match. He was confident when commanding his area and gave the defence an added sense of security.
McCarthy made two tremendous low stops with his feet to deny Nathan Ake and Jermain Defoe respectively, helping Saints to shut Bournemouth out for the large part.
Perhaps his best moment in a Saints shirt came in the 94th minute, as a deflected effort that was heading towards the top corner was clawed away and to safety by the outstretched arm of McCarthy.
It was an absolutely faultless performance from Southampton’s number one and he deserves plenty of plaudits for his display.
