So’ton 2 – 0 Norwich

Southampton deepened Norwich’s relegation troubles as goals from Che Adams and Oriol Romeu secured Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side a 2-0 victory at St Mary’s.

Southampton dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it wasn’t until the 34th minute that they really tested Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn. He somehow kept out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s volley from close range before Adams plated a free header wide from James Ward-Prowse’s corner just moments later.

The deadlock was eventually broken two minutes later. Gunn initially diverted Tino Livramento’s dangerous cross away from goal, but the ball rebounded to Adams at the far post and the Scotland international scooped the ball over the goalkeeper and over the goal line.

It had been a half to forget for Norwich and it could have got even worse in stoppage time at the end of the first half, but Elyounoussi struck wide of the far post after being picked out by Ward-Prowse.

Saints almost doubled their advantage immediately after the restart when Jan Bednarek flicked on Ward-Prowse’s corner, but Brandon Williams reacted quickest, heading the ball away before Adams could head goalwards.

The hosts continued to dominate but they could not grab a second goal as Gunn made saves to deny Stuart Armstrong, Ward-Prowse and Kyle Walker-Peters to keep the visitors into the game.

The scoreline was the only thing keeping Norwich interested, but they did eventually start to test the Southampton defence and Grant Hanley should have done better when heading sub Pierre Lees-Melou’s cross wide.

However, the game was made safe late on when Romeu powered a strike past Gunn from the edge of the penalty area to seal a deserved three points for Hasenhuttl’s side.

Victory sees Southampton stretch their unbeaten run at St Mary’s in the Premier League to 10 games as they move up to ninth in the table. Meanwhile, time is starting to run out on Norwich’s hopes of avoiding relegation. Dean Smith’s side, who suffered a 17th league defeat of the season, stay bottom of the table and five points from safety having played at least one game more than the sides around the sides above them.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Southampton host West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday at 7.30pm before returning to Premier League action next Saturday at Aston Villa; kick-off 3pm.

Norwich visit Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday at 8.15pm before hosting Brentford next Saturday in the Premier League at 3pm.