Aston Villa have picked up their first away win of 2021 as Ross Barkley’s strike secured a 1-0 win at Southampton.
Dean Smith’s side now leapfrog the Saints and move up to 8th in the table as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hosts slip out of the Top Ten.
Both sides did create chances in rapid start on the south coast with Stuart Armstrong left frustrated as his shot was blocked by Matty Cash before Ollie Watkins tested Alex McCarthy.
And despite there being little to pick between the sides before the break it was Villa that finally found the breakthrough.
Matt Targett’s pass released Jack Grealish down the left and his lofted cross was headed home by Barkley.
The Saints took a while to get up to speed after the break but Che Adams wasted a fantastic chance to find an equaliser.
Danny Ings’ clever pass released him inside the box but Emiliano Martinez was out in a flash to make a brave stop.
And it was the former Arsenal stopper who sealed the win in added time as the Argentinian produced an incredible double stop to deny Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens.
Full Time from the St. Mary’s Stadium it’s Southampton 0 Aston Villa 1
