Five things we learned from Southampton v Fulham

Here are five things we learned from the game:

1. Saints moved out of the relegation zone:

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl knew the importance of last night's win

A draw would’ve been enough to see Saints leapfrog Cardiff due to the Welsh side losing 3-0 on Tuesday night.

However, with Saints winning yesterday, it meant that they were able to open a two-point gap over the Welsh side.

And although Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have games against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur coming up, it’s better to be outside of the drop zone than in it.

2. James Ward-Prowse found himself amongst the goals again:

James Ward-Prowse celebrates his goal against Fulham

The midfielder is continuing to flourish under Hasenhuttl’s management.

Ward-Prowse was arguably Saints’ best, and most energetic, player on the pitch last night.

He displayed his new-found physical aggression by throwing himself into challenges and capped his performance off with another goal.

It was his third strike in four home games, which is one more than he had managed in his previous 42 matches at St Mary’s.

3. Saints kept their second clean sheet under Hasenhuttl:

Saints goalkeeper Angus Gunn

Hasenhuttl has been stressing the importance of keeping clean sheets over the last few weeks, with Saints only managing one since his appointment in December.

Angus Gunn, who was in the team for the goalless draw at Chelsea, returned to the side against Arsenal at the weekend.

He then kept his place in the starting XI for last night’s game and paid back the faith shown in him by keeping another clean sheet.

4. Ryan Bertrand showed signs he is getting back to his best:

Saints defender Ryan Bertrand

Having been dropped against Arsenal on Sunday, Bertrand was back in the team for Fulham’s visit to St Mary’s.

The defender proved to be a constant threat down the left, linking-up with Nathan Redmond on a number of occasions.

As well as being an option in attack, Bertrand was equally as solid at the back.

We’ll see on Saturday whether he can manage two games in quick succession, but after his showing last night, Hasenhuttl will be keen to include him for the trip to Manchester United.

5. There are more difficult tests to come:

Oriol Romeu battles away against Fulham

Beating Fulham was a necessity due to the matches Saints are about to play.

It doesn’t come much tougher than a trip to an in-form Manchester United, who are yet to lose in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

After playing at Old Trafford, Saints then have to welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St Mary’s.

These two games will prove to be a lot more difficult than playing Fulham at home, but if Hasenhuttl’s side can spring a surprise, then that will leave them in great shape heading into a three-week break.