SAINTS forward Sekou Mara’s quickfire second-half double in the 3-0 FA Cup replay victory over Watford booked a fifth-round trip to Liverpool.
The Frenchman grabbed two goals in six minutes before fellow striker Che Adams put the game beyond doubt with a neat close range finish.
Saints were twice denied a fourth goal by the woodwork during a rampant and improved second half display.
Here is how we rated every Southampton player’s performance on Tuesday evening…
Joe Lumley - 7.
Didn't have much to do, awkward delivery dealt with well. Played his part in Southampton goal by building from the back.
Shea Charles - 7.
Filling in at right-back to give Kyle Walker-Peters a rest. Looked strong. Wanted a penalty when brought down in the box - was not given.
Jack Stephens - 7.
Looks much better at centre-back than he does a right-back. Commanding performance from the captain.
Jan Bednarek - 8.
Clipped some good balls over the top in the absence of Taylor Harwood-Bellis Ensured Tyler Dibling got his flowers after Southampton’s second goal.
Jayden Meghoma - 8.
Continues to look comfortable at the senior level. Managed to find space time after time. Combined well with Sam Edozie on the left. One for the future.
Flynn Downes - 7.
Kept his place in the team as a rare regular starter among a rotated side. Popped up in forward positions a few times.
Will Smallbone - 7.
Won the ball high for the first good Saints chance. Booked for a professional foul in the first half. Dropped into the number six role in the second half. Tidy passing.
Joe Rothwell - 8
Caught the eye with a driving run through the heart of the Watford midfield. Excellent cross to set up Che Adams for his goal. Continues to get to grips with Russell Martin's system.
Tyler Dibling - 8.
Involved plenty, looked lively, strong and could hold off his man in the box. Had lots of ideas. Good drive for Sekou Mara's second. Good night.
Sekou Mara - 9
Lacked early aggression. Should have done better with a chance but took too long - equally should have had an assist for a good setup on Adams. Came alive after the break with two emphatic finishes. Vastly improved and ended up being the match-winner.
Che Adams - 8.
Chance from close range saved brilliantly by Bachman's feet. Good touch on for Mara's opener. Also transformed after the break - grabbed two assists and a goal. Calm finish to wrap up the game.
Substitutes
Sam Edozie - 7.
Missed chance for comeback goal with a poor touch. Continued to be a threat with driving runs. Frustrated not to score when he struck the post.
Adam Armstrong - 7.
Played in midfield as he did much earlier in the season. Full of energy to attack and defend. Was searching for a ball in behind to Mara.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 7.
Another impressive cameo from the teenage winger. Confident when one-on-one. Denied first senior goal by the post.
Stuart Armstrong - 7.
The third of a triple changed alongside A Armstrong and S Armstrong. Kept Saints ticking in midfield.
Cam Bragg - N/A.
Trusted to play the final seven minutes as a holding midfielder. Good to see another youngster given a chance.
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