ADAM Armstrong scored his fourth goal of the Championship season to help Saints beat QPR 2-1 on Saturday.

Sam Edozie had put Southampton ahead with his first senior goal before Jack Colback pulled the visitors level two minutes later.

Russell Martin was forced to hand Flynn Downes an early debut when Jack Stephens was forced off injured in the first half.

There was also a maiden Saints appearance for Ryan Fraser, who came on as a second-half sub less than 24 hours after completing his loan move from Newcastle United.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance during their first home win of the season... 

Gavin Bazunu – 7.

Not much he could do about Colback’s effort off post. Brilliant save to deny Chair moments later and bail out his defence. Another save right on restart to keep QPR at bay.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 6.

Lots of the ball in the early stages but became less involved after Downes came on, dropping into the pockets he had taken up. Completed joint-most dribbles (2).

Jack Stephens – N/A.

Injured and replaced by Flynn Downes just over 20 minutes into the contest.

Jan Bednarek – 7.

Lost a pace and strength battle with Armstrong, who could have gone in on goal but for a fortunate referee decision early on. Cut out a certain goal in added time after Bazunu had been beaten. Dealt with Armstrong well in second half. 

Ryan Manning – 7.

Early booking to stop a counter. Delivered an in-swinging crossing free-kick straight into Begovic’s hands. Assist for both Edozie’s opener and Armstrong. Completed the second most passes in the match. Dealt with banter from QPR fans.

Shea Charles – 7.

Moved into centre-back after injury to Stephens. Let Chair run across him with the ball in the box for a clear goalscoring opportunity. After that, did really well to assimilate into the centre-back role. Stopped a late counter after a blocked Saints shot.

Stuart Armstrong – 7. 

Took the captain’s armband after Stephens was injured. Composed in the middle under pressure. Took crowd’s advice to shoot on the edge of the area but blocked. Lost a lot of duels.

Charly Alcaraz – 6.

Booked for protesting to referee. Attempted a splitting ball to get Amo-Ameyaw in behind in first-half added time but a touch too strong. Had most shots of Saints player in first half but replaced by 55’.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw – 6.

Regularly involved during the first-half but lost a match-high six duels in the first 45 minutes. Fair to say he struggled to make a full impact but still shows plenty of promise at 17 years old.

Sam Edozie – 7.

Really good feet on the left and caused QPR’s full-back plenty of problems, completing the most dribbles of the first half. Well taken strike across Begovic for opener. Faded as game went on.

Had first real drive at opposition but his low cross was blocked.

Adam Armstrong – 7.

Sharp touch in the area to shoot under pressure early on but into a crowd. Fewest touches of any Saints player (14) in the first half, as striker. Good finish after a ropey touch in the area to put Saints ahead, having moved into midfield.

Substitutes

Flynn Downes – 7.

Came on midway through the first half for his club debut. Looked comfortable on the ball and supported his defence well. Completed most passes (114) despite coming on late.

Sekou Mara – 7.

Did well to hold up the ball in the middle and won fouls under pressure, causing problems. Clever quick-take after winning a free-kick to send Fraser in behind but the referee pulled play back. Improved performance.

Ryan Fraser – 7.

Immediately got at QPR when he came on and inspired the crowd with direct play, looking to run and deliver low balls into the area.

Joe Aribo - N/A.