SAINTS ended a run of four successive defeats with a huge 3-1 win over in-form Leeds United at St Mary's.
Adam Armstrong's brace sandwiched Will Smallbone's first Saints goal since January 2020 with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Kyle Walker-Peters the providers.
Manager Russell Martin switched his system in favour of a diamond midfield as he reintroduced Charly Alcaraz and Stuart Armstrong to the XI.
Here is how we rated the players for their performance at St Mary's...
Gavin Bazunu – 7.
Made a good diving save to deny Rutter from range but only action required of first half. Confident distribution and went long at the right times throughout. Guarded the goal well.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 8.
Tidy assist for Armstrong’s opener and created a second chance later in the half. 96 per cent pass success rate across the entire 90 minutes and was the most fouled player.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 7.
Some stray passes early on but vastly improved on early outings. Solid throughout and part of a defence that conceded only a few chances as they held on in the closing stages.
Jan Bednarek – 8.
Most touches of any Saints player in the first 45 minutes (50). Twice came over to the touchline to take on instructions from Martin. Won both of his ground duels and a leader at the back.
Ryan Manning – 7.
Lost possession in the box in 23rd minute and led to two good Leeds chances. Solid otherwise. Improved performance from the Irishman, back in the starting XI.
Flynn Downes – 7.
Displayed some incisive passing to send Kamaldeen through. Produced a solid double-pivot with Smallbone in new system. Weak as the ball dropped over him in the box for Struijk’s goal.
Will Smallbone – 7.
Aggressive in the midfield and booked for stopping a counter before making more risky fouls in the first half. Lovely finish for his second Saints goal and first since 2020. Replaced by Charles as momentum changed in Leeds favour.
Charly Alcaraz – 7.
Began opening attack for goal with turn and spray. Operated in a false nine style role and allowed a favourable change in system, drawing space for his teammates. Not as much impact of his own on the ball but he will be happy.
Stu Armstrong – 7.
Probably the least effective of the attackers on his return to the starting XI. Only succeeded with two of his five dribbles and one of his five crosses. Dangerous corner kick deliveries.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – 9.
Interesting role hugging the left touchline. Set up Smallbone for the second with a well-timed pass into the box and the same for Armstrong with Southampton’s third. Excellent first half on the ball and terrorised Leeds midfielders. Replaced on 58 minutes.
Adam Armstrong – 9.
Excellent chipped finish for his first and sat Leeds defender on his bottom for his second. Dare you say, uncharacteristically clinical? Had just 14 first-half touches but did not matter. Industrious in the second half but less creative.
Substitutes
Ryan Fraser – 6.
Replaced Kamaldeen after 58 minutes. Not a huge impact but attempted to offer more defensively and was safe in possession. Made one huge tackle in the closing stages.
Che Adams – 6.
Introduced in place of Alcaraz as Leeds began to get a grip on the game. Recorded very few touches but took on an armband after Armstrong’s substitution.
Shea Charles 7.
Immediately began disrupting the Leeds midfield, putting pressure on balls high up the pitch as Saints wrestled some tense moments.
Joe Aribo – N/A
Came on in the final five minutes with the team holding onto the two-goal lead.
James Bree – N/A.
Came on in the final five minutes and played off the right wing as Martin looked to shut up shop.
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