Ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to St Mary’s on Wednesday, we take a look back at some famous Boxing Day victories.
2015: Southampton 4-0 Arsenal
Last year, Cuco Martina’s wonderful strike lit the blue touch paper for a convincing victory over high-flying Arsenal at St Mary’s.
Shane Long then finished from close range before José Fonte headed in a third to extend the advantage further.
Long doubled his tally for the afternoon when he put a fourth through the legs of Petr Cech to cap a superb performance.
And it was almost a five-star festive treat for the home crowd when Virgil van Dijk saw his header ruled out for offside.
2013: Cardiff 0-3 Southampton
Jay Rodriguez was at the double when Saints ended a winless run stretching six games back in 2013 at Cardiff.
He converted Adam Lallana’s low cross on 14 minutes to open the scoring, before volleying in Rickie Lambert’s centre not long after.
Rodriguez then turned provider for the third when his knock-down was slammed home by Lambert.
2014: Crystal Palace 1-3 Southampton
A fine away performance helped Saints move into fourth in the Premier League with a 3-1 success over Crystal Palace.
On 17 minutes, Sadio Mané raced on to James Ward-Prowse’s through ball, before rounding keeper Julian Speroni to give the visitors the advantage.
The advantage was doubled when Ryan Bertrand tucked Mane’s pull-back away, before Toby Alderweireld headed home a third to put Southampton in cruise control.
Mile Jedinak’s free-kick delivery saw Scott Dann net a consolation goal for Palace, but it was never going to be enough to mount a serious comeback.
2009: Southampton 3-1 Exeter City
Goals from Lloyd James, Neal Trotman and Papa Waigo secured a comfortable Boxing Day victory over ten-man Exeter City.
James’ shot gave Saints the lead when his shot cannoned off defender Richard Duffy and left Paul Jones rooted to the spot.
Trotman then converted from James’ free-kick to make it two, before Troy-Archibald-Henville received his marching orders for a high challenge.
Matthew Taylor pulled one back to set up a potentially nervy finish, but Waigo slotted home on 88 minutes to seal victory.
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