"We are very happy, it was a really mature performance. We've been waiting for a win like this," Finn Azaz admitted when speaking pitchside after the game.

It was Azaz who opened the scoring inside 10 minutes, tapping home from close range after a swift team move cut hosts Stoke apart.

An incisive pass from Taylor Harwood-Bellis played Tom Fellows in down the right before the winger teed Azaz up to score from yards out. It was Saints at their best.

Southampton's second goal came from a corner. Ross Stewart flicked on to Flynn Downes, who recovered from his slip to poke in at the near post.

One win alone is not enough to paper over the cracks in this Saints side, but seven points from the last three games is a step towards building the momentum players have called for.

Tonda Eckert's side find themselves seven points outside the play-off places with enough time slice through that gap. Consistency will be key.

Finn Azaz was a top performer for Saints against Stoke. (Image: PA)

Saints, previously leaky at the back, have not...