Southampton got back to winning ways and finally reached the 40-point landmark with a 3-1 win at Watford on Sunday afternoon.
After a competitive opening, Southampton broke the deadlock after 15 minutes courtesy of some brilliant footwork and a well-placed finish from Danny Ings, who scored his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.
The visitors continued to have the better of the first half with Shane Long and James Ward-Prowse both having half-chances to double their advantage.
The second-half began in a backs-to-the-wall manner with Nigel Pearson’s side clearly looking to make amends for a sluggish first-45.
However, the Saints were doing all the basic defending very well and still posed a threat on the counter-attack with the pace of Long and Nathan Redmond.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side looked to have made the three points secure thanks to Ings again who made the most of a poor throw from Ben Foster to fire a shot at the Watford goal which deflected into the back of the net.
Watford pulled a goal back with just over 10 minutes to play via an unfortunate Jan Bednarek own goal.
Southampton restored their two-goal lead with a sublime James Ward-Prowse free-kick that beat a rooted Foster.
The Saints’ day was almost complete as Che Adams came close to breaking his scoring duck before Redmond produced a great strike that hit the post.
Here’s how we rated the Southampton players:
