Finn Azaz’s first-half goal earned them a 1-0 win over Norwich, putting Southampton into the Championship play-offs for the first time since the opening weekend.
Forward Azaz pounced on a quick throw-in during the first half and smashed in the only goal of the game against St Mary’s.
But the Saints had goaltender Daniel Peretz to thank for his season-best seven saves, including a sensational double stop in the second half, taking them to three points and 13 games unbeaten.
Despite winning 11 of their last 14 games, the Canaries’ promotion hopes remain slim, with them nine points adrift of the top six.
Finn Azaz is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Southampton’s goal against Norwich.
A shaky start was punctuated by strong saves from Perec and Vladan Kovacevic on both flanks.
Southampton’s Israeli goalkeeper Peretz wisely dropped down the right flank to block Anis Ben Suliman’s powerful shot.
Norwich shot-stopper Kovacevic then parried James Bree’s sweetly struck half-volley.
After that chance, Sam Edsey converted the rebound but Azaz was flagged for offside, but less than a minute later Saints actually put the ball in the back of the net.
Before the Canaries could reset, Bree quickly converted a throw-in and Kyle Larin nodded before Azaz crashed into the roof of the net.
The Republic of Ireland international celebrated his 10th goal of the season the day after St Patrick’s Day. It was the visitors’ first goal from Carrow Road since the end of January.
Norwich have not won since conceding an away lead this season, but they almost went one step closer when Mathias Qvistgaden failed to tip his toe in to Paris Maghoma’s wicked cross from the right.
Peretz denied Slimane a snap shot 12 minutes into the second half and was forced to make another save.
If this was a regulation save, his low dive to keep out Kenny McLean’s sharp drive was a long shot for the visitors who looked more likely to score their second goal of the game.
The on-loan Bayern Munich goalkeeper outdid himself once again with a double save to deny Ali Ahmed and Kellen Fischer from close range.
Peretz currently has more clean sheets than the goalkeepers before his arrival (Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy combined). 5th game out of 12 league games.
Substitute Shay Charles almost had the game stopped, but his shot into the bottom corner was deflected away by Kovacevic.
Norwich almost equalized in the 98th minute but Jack Stevens’ careless foot towards his own goal bounced off the crossbar and Perets made a fine last-minute save to deny Ruairi McConville.
managers
Tonda Eckert of Southampton:
“It was a tough game. There’s a reason they’ve won 10 of their last 13 games.
“It’s great, it’s always great to take one step at a time, but you have to play until the end.
“We still have a lot of games ahead of us and things can go quickly either way. We’ve done well to keep our heads down and maintain a level of humility.
“It’s very important not to look too far ahead. We’ve done well without getting too caught up in the negatives or the positives, and that won’t change.”
Philippe Clement of Norwich:
“I’m not a dreamer, it’s because of the fans. I made that mistake in the first 15 years of my career.
“Looking at the rankings is pointless. We can’t control what other teams do. What matters is our performance and then we’ll see where we are in the last two or three games.”
“It’s already amazing that so many people were talking to me about the play-offs when the club had nine points in November.
“Everyone knew we deserved more in this game.
“There’s a reason why you lose these kinds of games in football and their goalkeeper is man of the match.
“Rather than being disappointed in the loss, I’m proud of my team. It’s not often that I tell my team that I’m proud of them.”
