Ross Barkley headed the winner as Aston Villa reignited their European hopes with victory over Southampton in the Premier League in an entertaining tussle at St Mary's.
The midfielder guided Jack Grealish's cross beyond goalkeeper Alex McCarthy before the break as Villa bounced back from defeat at Burnley.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith said afterwards: "It was a tough performance against a tough team. But what a lovely goal. Great ball from Jack [Grealish] and great header from Ross [Barkley].
"Then we had to be resolute. We got some great blocks at the end there. And some VAR decisions [went our way].
"We've not had too many of them, it feels good. The offside [VAR decisions] I have no complaints with. There's a line there, it's what it is.
"As for the handball, I've not seen it back but Matt Cash said it came off his thigh.
"The first 20 minutes we had a problem. They played through us too easily. We changed things and made it difficult. We've had a good game today.
"I think that's nine or 10 clean sheets this season and that's brilliant. It gives you a platform and our attackers have the quality [to win games].
On goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, he added: "He's a very good goalkeeper, that's why we brought him in. He was also the first one in the dressing room thanking the lads for the blocks as well."
