Our regular columnist Dan gives us his verdict on the win at Bournemouth on Sunday, a victory that puts us in seventh place for Xmas.

Southampton recorded their second win on the road (which wasn’t actually a long journey) as they came from behind to beat local rivals Bournemouth thanks to two goals from Jay Rodriguez and one from Ryan Bertrand.

Saints went behind after just six minutes as Jack Wilshere’s good cross found the head of Nathan Ake who wasn’t marked by Pierre Hojbjerg. Poor defending from the Dane meant the hosts took the lead.

The visitors were back level, however after twelve minutes as a solo goal from Ryan Bertrand equalised the tie. Bertrand has looked fantastic this season, especially after the cup game against Arsenal; he looks like a more attacking and defensive full-back rather than just a defensive one.

Bertrand’s goal gave Southampton a foot-hold in the game and Nathan Redmond’s effort on thirty minutes should’ve given them the lead but his effort was tame as Jay Rodriguez cut back across goal for the winger.

However, three minutes into the second half and Saints had the lead! Steven Davis came on for Harrison Reed and, in my opinion, changed the game for Southampton. Good play between Boufal and the Northern Ireland captain lead to a chipped shot from the substitute, allowing Jay Rodriguez to poke the ball into the back of the net past former Southampton goalkeeper, Artur Boruc.

Would it have not been for Nathan Ake’s block, Southampton would’ve guaranteed the three points with a goal from Pierre Hojbjerg; ironic as Hojbjerg didn’t do his defending against Ake but Ake did his against Hojbjerg.

After a good effort from Nathan Redmond, Rodriguez did secure all three points as his fantastic volley found the top left hand corner.

Man of the match: It has to be Jay Rodriguez. I’m absolutely chuffed for him after such a long injury lay-off to look like he’s back in the goals. Scoring two today and creating good play, the Englishman has to receive the award.

Photo: Action Images

ItchenNorth added 18:43 - Dec 20 Great performance in the second half. It's amazing how goals change people's perception of a team ! Delighted for JayRod. What a goal ! That said, we still need to invest in a striker soon.
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schatfield added 08:49 - Dec 21 slightly off-topic but I loved the all-white 3rd strip they wore for this game, shame we cant buy it!
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