SOUTHAMPTON PULLED THEMSELVES clear of the Premier League relegation zone while dragging Aston Villa in with a 1-3 win at Villa Park this afternoon.
The Saints rocked their hosts with two first-half goals in the space of 10 minutes.
Shane Long’s 21st-minute effort was well-saved by Tom Heaton, but Danny Ings pounced to hand his side the lead.
The visitors’ lead was doubled when Jack Stephens rose to power a header into the bottom corner from a dangerous James Ward Prowse corner.
Two down at half-time, Villa’s day got even worse as Ings grabbed his second thanks to a dispiriting error from Marvelous Nakamba.
Jack Grealish blasted in a brilliant half-volleyed response with 15 minutes on the clock, but it was no more than a consolation as the Saints moved three clear of Villa in 18th.
Elsewhere in today’s 3pm kick-offs, Sheffield United kept up the chase behind fourth-place Chelsea thanks to Oliver McBurnie’s 23rd-minute strike in a 0-1 win in Brighton.
Wolves remain a point behind the Blades as they also won on the road, despite trailing Norwich until the 60th minute.
Todd Cantwell had given the Canaries a 17th-minute lead which they maintained until Romain Saiss blasted in a powerful leveller. And, when Matt Doherty’s shot was saved by Tim Krul, Raul Jimenez was on hand to turn in his 16th goal of the season.
Mid-table Burnley snatched a last-minute 0-1 win in Bournemouth thanks to Jay Rodriguez’ close-range header – an overdue first shot on target in a dour match.
Newcastle United also left it late to ensure they remain a step ahead of Burnley. Miguel Almiron claimed his first goal for the Magpies on his 27th appearance. The Paraguayan latched onto Andy Carroll’s 83rd-minute downward header.
