Hull City finally found the win they have spent 11 weeks searching for, coming from behind through second-half goals from Robert Snodgrass and Michael Dawson. A seventh consecutive Premier League loss was on the cards when trailing to Charlie Austin's penalty but a remarkable turnaround inside 125 seconds changed everything. A first league win since Aug. 20 -- at the ninth attempt -- has dragged Mike Phelan's side back to within a point of safety in the lower reaches of the table.
Positives
Placed in context, this was a huge win. Only once in the club's previous 81 Premier League games had they managed to come from behind and claim three points and such was Southampton's dominance at the hour mark that it looked like an extremely unlikely outcome. The two quick fire goals gave something to protect and during the closing stages there were signs of the spirit that delivered back-to-back wins at the start of the campaign. In Snodgrass, too, they have a fit-again attacking talisman. The Scot has now played a part in half of City's league goals this season.
Negatives
The injuries to Abel Hernandez and Will Keane forced City's two starting forwards off inside the opening 25 minutes and the fear is that both will now miss substantial periods. Only scans in the next 48 hours will make it clear how damaging those setbacks will be. Off the pitch, the unhappiness was simmering again. Another new top-flight low attendance of 17,768 left thousands of empty seats dotted around the ground as supporters continued to show their disenchantment with the club's owners, the Allam family. A sad backdrop to the victory.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- A tough afternoon for Mike Phelan. Started with the 3-5-2 that brought a decent performance at Watford but injuries to Keane and Hernandez forced a reshuffle back to 4-1-4-1. Not always convincing but it worked.
Player ratings
GK David Marshall, 8 -- An excellent performance from a goalkeeper who has conceded so many goals since arriving from Cardiff. Denied Austin three times and also kept Jordy Clasie in by far his best display for the club.
DF Harry Maguire, 7 -- Began as one of the three central defenders but a tactical reshuffle saw him play most of the game as a holding midfielder seeking out the ball. Missed a big chance at the back post when volleying wide.
DF Michael Dawson, 8 -- City are such a stronger team with their captain back from injury. Scored the winner with a fine header but just as importantly he produced a couple of brilliant last-ditch blocks at the opposite end.
DF Curtis Davies, 7 -- A clumsy, needless challenge gifted Southampton an early penalty but he helped to make amends as part of a stoic defensive effort late in the game. A great block to keep out Steven Davis late on.
MF Ahmed Elmohamady, 6 -- Not one of the more prominent figures in City's win, even when getting into decent attacking areas. Retreated as the game wore on to help his team hold on for the three points.
MF Jake Livermore, 7 -- A frustrating first-half performance as Southampton held all the aces but he was far more influential after the break, harrying his guests and protecting his defence. Restored lost resilience in midfield.
MF Ryan Mason, 6 -- An erratic figure in City's midfield, showing lovely touches here and there only to drift out of the game. Like so many of his teammates, his best came after the break and he played a part in the equaliser.
MF Markus Henriksen, 6 -- Continued his introduction to the Premier League and at times the pace of the game left him on the periphery. Never wanted for effort and played his part in turning the tide in the second half.
MF Sam Clucas, 7 -- Looked set for another tough afternoon when targeted by Dusan Tadic early on but stood up well when dropping deeper from wing-back to left-back. Saved his side's skin when clearing off the line at the death.
FW Will Keane, 5 -- A cruel setback for a young striker that has so often been sidelined by injuries. Went down clutching his knee midway through the first half and the inevitable fear will be serious ligament damage.
FW Abel Hernandez, 5 -- Failed to even last 10 minutes when damaging his groin and limping off. The latest misfortune continued a testing season that has seen the Uruguayan score just once.
Substitutes
FW Dieumerci Mbokani, 6 -- Handed a far bigger role than initially expected but looked rusty in attack after a month out injured.
MF Robert Snodgrass, 8 -- The difference between a deflating defeat and an uplifting win as he scored the equaliser and set up the winner.
MF Tom Huddlestone, N/R -- Replaced Maguire for the closing stages and helped his side to squeeze out the win.