Goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond sent Southampton to third in the Premier League, as they thrashed rock-bottom Sheffield United 3-0.
The Blades have now become the first side since QPR in 2012 to stretch 12 matches without a win at the start of a Premier League campaign.
Chris Wilder’s basement side appear desperately short on both confidence and ideas, with a positive January transfer window already appearing vital in their top-flight safety bid.
It was an impressive showing from Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, with the 10/11 tip to back Saints to score 2+ goals rarely in doubt.
✅ Southampton to score 2+ goals.
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) December 13, 2020
💰 Stuart Armstrong strikes and lands @JoesterT a winner!
🤦 But wow Sheffield United cannot catch a break...
👇 #SOUSHU #SaintsFC #bettingtips pic.twitter.com/FHjbuhZNEB
Saints went ahead on 35 minutes when Adams stabbed home neatly following a free-kick. The Blades failed to clear the danger, Jan Bednarek flicked the ball forward off his shoulder – and Adams did the rest, prodding in from close range.
Armstrong doubled their lead just past the hour-mark, with a cruel deflection wrong-footing Aaron Ramsdale and leaving the Blades keeper with no chance.
🗓️ 295 days since home fans last saw Southampton score a goal.
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) December 13, 2020
🍻 Che Adams sends the 2,000 supporters inside St Mary's wild.
👇 #SaintsFC #SOUSHU pic.twitter.com/HaK7tRZj1Q
Phil Jagielka’s outstretched foot clipped the shot in the other direction and into the net, leaving the Blades struggling for a foothold on the south coast.
Redmond whipped in a fine third in the closing stages, finishing in style just moments after coming off the bench.
The winger exchanged passes with Oriol Romeu to power into the box, took one touch to steady himself and then applied a calm finish, to cement Saints’ win.
