SAINTS captain Jose Fonte insisted there was a sense of relief as the team ended a poor run of form in style with their 6-1 destruction of Aston Villa.

Ronald Koeman's side had gone four games without a win as they headed into their final home match of the season, but they put that behind them in emphatic fashion with a thumping victory at St Mary's.

“It was kind of a relief, because obviously being the last game of the season we wanted to put a performance for the fans, the sun was out and we were saying before the game let’s put a performance in, let’s give something to cheer for the fans and let’s get the three points and start fast – and that’s what we did. Too fast for them," said Fonte.

"Sadio [Mane] scored three goals in two minutes, 55 seconds if I’m not wrong, so a great day and, above all, a great three points."

After slow starts in their previous two games, away to Sunderland and Leicester, Fonte reiterated the focus had been on starting quickly against what had been a resurgent Villa side.

“That’s what we said. Back to basics," he explained.

"We cannot afford to start like the last two games and we need to be aggressive and intense and loads of runs and energy and that’s what we did.

"That’s what we have to try to do every game."

Fonte, who is about to complete his first season as captain, added it was an emotional moment for him as he went on the players' traditional lap of appreciation after the final whistle.

“Wearing the armband is something special for me, because I come from abroad," said the Portugal international.

"I have been in England eight years, and it’s my second home – almost my first home. My wife is English, my son is English, so for me to come here and have this special reception is something I will never forget.

"My first year as the captain was fantastic, we had a great season and I just hope we can improve on this season."