The Saints travelled back from Teesside with all three points on Saturday having defeated Middlesbrough 2-1, courtesy of goals from Jay Rodriguez and Nathan Redmond.
The result moves Southampton up to ninth in Premier League with only two games remaining, while Middlesbrough are already preparing for life in the Championship next season.
Saints fans will have been surprised to see Claude Puel’s line-up for Saturday’s match, with major changes in formation and personnel, especially with the Frenchman looking for a strong end to the season. Manolo Gabbiadini was left out of the matchday squad, with both Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez given starting berths. Martin Caceres was given his Saints debut at the expense of Jack Stephens with Jeremy Pied also making his first appearance since returning from Injury.
The changes worked for Puel, however, with Saints ending their five-game run without victory and boosting their chances of a top-ten finish. Here are five players who impressed us for the Saints.
