Southampton picked up their first win in six games with a 2-1 victory at relegated Middlesbrough on Saturday to ease the pressure on manager Claude Puel.
Jay Rodriguez made the most of a rare Premier League start with a neatly-taken first half goal before substitute Nathan Redmond produced an excellent second half solo effort. Shane Long should have added a third from the penalty spot after being tripped by hapless Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan but fired wastefully over the crossbar.
Patrick Bamford’s header from a corner set up a nervy finish, but Southampton held firm.
The win keeps Southampton on course for a top half Premier League finish. Redmond has now scored seven league goals this season – his best ever top-flight return – justifying the £11 million Southampton paid Norwich for him in January. Charlie Austin’s comeback after five months out as a late substitute was greeted by a big cheer from the away end.
Southampton’s lack of killer instinct almost cost them as they eased off the gas after Long’s spot kick blunder and then allowed Middlesbrough to come into the game late on.
7 – Puel’s bold move to make seven changes paid off as Southampton’s fringe players showed their worth. He introduced Redmond at the right time and the quicksilver winger terrorised a tired Boro defence. Saints’ style of play was still unattractive for the most part.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Fraser Forster, 6 – Was not overworked but did well to get down late on and deny former Saints’ defender Calum Chambers an equaliser.
DF Jeremy Pied, 6 – The Frenchman’s first season in English football has been blighted by injury. Can hold his head high after making a first appearance since August.
DF Maya Yoshida, 6 – A relatively quiet afternoon against a goal-shy Boro attack but did what he had to with the minimum of fuss.
DF Martin Caceres, 6 – Looked rusty early on after not playing for more than a year but grew in stature as the game wore on.
DF Ryan Bertrand, 6 – The England man was beaten in the air too easily by Bamford for the Boro goal.
MF Oriol Romeu, 8 – An absolute rock in the heart of the Southampton midfield. Is adding pounds to his transfer value every week.
MF Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, 5 – Has been a tough Premier League debut for the Dane. But he will be grateful for the game-time ahead of next term.
MF Jordy Clasie, 7 – Rarely seen scoring the winner at West Brom, but was a driving force in the Southampton midfield.
MF Sofiane Boufal, 5 - Scored a world-class goal in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s. Much quieter here before being taken off at half-time.
MF Shane Long, 6 – Set up Rodriguez with a precision cross, but his penalty miss was a shocker.
ST Jay Rodriguez 7 – Took his sixth goal of the season well with a neat finish. Has a big decision to make on his future this summer.
MF Nathan Redmond, 8 – Man of the match despite only playing a half. Scored a superb goal in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate.
ST Charlie Austin, N/A – Good to see him back.
Alex Crook is ESPN FC’s Southampton blogger. Follow him on Twitter @alex_crook
Austin, who has been sidelined since December after suffering a dislocated shoulder, came on for the final minutes of the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
“To see Charlie after his injury was very good,” started Puel.
“A lot of the things were very interesting today. Not just the result and the quality but to see all of the squad give a good performance.
“It’s a good thing to see him return - for him and for the team to see him back before the end of the season.”
Puel also gave fellow Frenchman Pied his first start since the opening game of the season against Watford.
The right-back has missed out on the majority of this campaign due to a knee injury, but Puel was pleased to be able to welcome him back to the action.
“I am happy also for the comeback of Jeremy,” he continued.
“He did some fantastic work today and was very interesting and strong at the in defence for us.
“He showed great quality coming forward and also starting the play from the back.”
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