SEVERAL of Southampton's stars produced stellar performances as they hammered Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 on Saturday.

Manager Russell Martin praised his players for putting themselves within touching distance of history as they made it 19 league games unbeaten.

Adam Armstrong scored and set up three goals, with Che Adams, Ryan Fraser and Sekou Mara the scorers, but was not named man of the match. 

Saints also kept an eighth clean sheet of the season as they made it nine home wins in a row. Here is how we rated the players... 

Gavin Bazunu - 8.

Continues to grow and did everything asked of him. Got away with one with his first touch - loose control nearly led to a gifted goal. Quick to sniff danger in the second half and produced two strong saves to preserve an eighth clean sheet. 

Kyle Walker-Peters - 10.

As close to perfect in defence and attack as you can get - arguably the best player in the Championship and proved it once again. A constant threat down the right; involved in the first goal and well denied himself for a second.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 9.

Up to his usual tricks with another clipped pass out to Walker-Peters in what could have set up Fraser for the opener. Not one of Southampton's back five, including Downes, were dribbled past in 90 minutes on way to the clean sheet. 

Jan Bednarek - 9.

Tidied up Bauznu's opening error, although the goalkeeper may have been able to claim without the need for a corner. One first-time clearance turned pass that switched defence to attack in one splitting ball. Very reliable again. 

Ryan Manning - 9.

Defensively sound with most recoveries of any player. Had the most touches of any player in the match (132), in addition to boasting the best pass accuracy rate (93 per cent) and most passes into the final third (13). Horrible success rate on crossing, though, at one out of 13 attempts. 

Flynn Downes - 9.

Very good at the stuff that does not get plaudits. Some good sliding challenges to prevent counters in the first half. Gave away one dangerous free-kick, for which he was booked, but Bazunu saved. Good success rates in all key data, including passing and duels. 

Will Smallbone - 7.

Chosen ahead of Alcaraz and Charles in the midfield three. Probably the least impactful but the game moved beyond the midfield quickly in the critical moments due to the Wednesday press. Tidy in possession with a 90 per cent pass success rate. 

Stuart Armstrong - 8.

Some ineffective corner deliveries with an abundance of opportunities between him and Manning. Displayed the perfect weight of pass to assist Armstrong in the second half. Only Armstrong and Fraser had more touches in the opposition box than his nine. 

Adam Armstrong - 10. 

His best performance in a Southampton shirt. Registered a 10th league assist to set up Adams. Finished well for his goal and had a second cleared off the line. Then set up Fraser and Mara. All over the pitch, all the time. Excellent. 

Ryan Fraser - 10.

Named the official man of the match on the night. Struck a good chance goalward into the ground and it needed clearing off the line early on. Constantly won set pieces as he looked to get balls into the box and set up Arma to assist Mara. Had got deserved goal with trademark finish. 

Che Adams - 8. 

Atoned for a silly decision to shoot from range with a calm touch and finish inside the area to open. Set up the attack for the second goal with aggressive pressing and a clever through ball to Armstrong. Good performance. 

Substitutes 

Sekou Mara - 8. 

Good movement to give himself an easy finish for a second Championship goal. Means he has scored a league goal every 125 minutes, which is the best rate at the club. More to come from the Frenchman. 

Charly Alcaraz - 7. 

Came on at same time as Mara, with Saints 3-0 up after 77 minutes. Good in possession this week and only lost the ball on a couple of occasions from 26 touches. Will have to hope to make an impact from the bench again next week.

Jack Stephens - 7.

The captain was introduced at centre-back in the final 10 minutes and completed 100 per cent of his attempted passes but was not forced to make any tackles or win any duels as Saints coasted.

Shea Charles - 7.

Only touched the ball six times in around 10 minutes of action but, as Stephens did, also completed 100 per cent of his attempted passes. Comfortable situation to come into.

Tyler Dibling - 8.

Made his league debut for Saints in the 87th minute after his club debut last weekend. Responded to fan chants with immediate intent and had one shot blocked behind. Was ambitious and tricky in just a few minutes.