The overwhelming feeling as the full-time whistle blew at St Mary’s was one of relief – and now Russell Martin will hope the confidence this breakthrough victory should bring can kick-start Saints’ season.
Praise from Pep Guardiola is all well and good, but the pressure to translate pleasing football in to points was increasing after Saints equalled their longest winless run from the beginning of a league campaign with defeat at the champions last week.
The end of a 22-game winless run in the Premier League. A first win in the top-flight since March 2023. Off the bottom of the table.
This will undoubtedly feel like a significant weight lifted as Southampton aim to mount a meaningful survival challenge following promotion, with another key meeting to come against Wolves next week.
Martin will believe this result shows his decision to persevere with his principles in the face of adversity is beginning to bear fruit, and can lead to the club achieving its target this season.
But now his side must back it up to build momentum before the international break, following which they face Liverpool, Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
