MATCH REPORT: 2-0 win against Watford gives Saints much needed confidence boost

Dominance. Pure dominance.

Sure, this win wasn't against a big boy. But it certainly wasn't against a cellar dweller either. Watford came into this match in pretty good form, while Saints did not.

The biggest boost was the return of Fraser Forster, the man who likely would've won the Golden Gloves last season had it not been for a season ending injury. Fraser did not see much action as Watford had one shot on goal. If anything though, it was a big confidence boost to the defense to have the big man behind them.

Southampton had many chances to score with seven shots on goal with a couple of other shots going just wide. Saints also had nine corners compared to Watford's one.

Most of the first twenty minutes were spent in Southampton's half, and that's where the scoring began. A beautiful ball from Matt Targett found the head of Shane Long, who slotted it home in the 17th minute. Matt Targett was a huge difference today up and down the field, and is slowly showing his future value to the senior team.

Most of the middle of the match saw each team with some possession, Watford had their only shot on goal saved comfortably by Fraser Forster. Sadio Mane had a couple of quality chances, with one shot slipping by the keeper, only to hit the post.

There was still a bit of worry amongst supporters around the 70th minute. Southampton had dominated the entire game, but were only one goal up after missing numerous chances. It was an uneasy feeling. Then came Dusan Tadic. The Serbian came on for Sadio Mane in the 72nd minute and scored in the 73rd, making it 2-0 Saints.

After becoming 2-0, it was clear that the match was all but over as both teams played it around in the midfield, with Saints having only a few more runs at goal. Graziano Pelle made a cameo, which was refreshing with the known lack of strikers.

With that big win, Southampton now sit in 12th. With only the league to play for, Saints are in better shape now. They are only eight points out of 5th and nine points out of the drop zone.

It is West Brom up next, who sit in 13th in the table, only behind us on goal differential.

There's a better feel now with a win. Another one on Saturday would be massive for confidence for the rest of the season.

(Thought we'd start something new, with all of our MOTM selections. We would like to hear your opinions below as well! Tonight's selections are a bit light because of the short notice I gave the lads.)

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Tommy Scott- Shane Long

Connor Armstrong- Oriol Romeu

Jake Hughes- Oriol Romeu

All in all, magnificent night for Southampton!