Aston Villa heaped further misery on relegation-threatened Southampton with a 1-0 victory at St. Marys Stadium, extending the hosts losing home streak to four games on the trot.
An unexpected three-game winning streak, including a 2-0 win over Manchester City, gave relegation contenders Southampton enough of a boost to push the visitors on the back foot in the opening minutes.
The Saints` dominant opening almost gave them the lead midway through the half, though Kyle Walker-Peters was adjudged offside in the build-up much to the disappointment of the home faithful.
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Villa raised their game however, and came close twice in the same run of play, only to see Jacob Ramsey sky his shot after Ollie Watkins forced Gavin Bazunu into a superb save.
Following a scrappy start to the second period in a bid to draw first blood, a moment of drama materialised in the 65th minute when the home side were once again left begging for more.
However, just when some thought the game would be heading for a draw, Watkins came through with a brilliant header 10 minutes before FT, which Bazunu was unable to keep out following a perfect free-kick delivery.
