Norwich City visited St Mary's Stadium on Saturday searching for points in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, the Canaries struggled to compete with the hosts, who opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Morgan Schneiderlin before extending their lead to 3-0 in the second half thanks to goals from Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez.
Saints looked to be cruising to victory but Norwich hit back late on as Johan Elmander and Robert Snodgrass pulled two goals back in as many minutes.
Norwich pushed for the equaliser in the closing stages but Southampton's win was confirmed when Sam Gallagher scored his side's fourth of the afternoon in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good afternoon everyone. It's a very busy day in the Premier League and you'll be able to follow all the action on Sports Mole. I'll be talking you through the drama from St Mary's Stadium, where Southampton host Norwich City.
We could see plenty of changes at the top and bottom of the table over the weekend. Southampton's season may already be a success but they can climb to eighth this afternoon, while Norwich are desperately looking for points to crawl further away from the relegation zone.
Southampton are certainly favourites heading into this one but teams fighting against relegation always seem to produce shocks at this stage of the season. It's definitely crunch time for Chris Hughton and his players.
SOUTHAMPTON: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Ward-Prowse, Lallana (c), Ramírez, Rodriguez
SUBSTITUTES: Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Lambert, Guly, Chambers, Hooiveld, Gallagher
NORWICH: Ruddy (c), Whittaker, Yobo, R. Bennett, Olsson, Tettey, Johnson, Howson, Snodgrass, Pilkington, Hooper
SUBSTITUTES: Bunn, Martin, Bassong, van Wolfswinkel, Hoolahan, Elmander, Redmond
Just a couple of changes for Southampton following the victory over Crystal Palace a week ago. Jack Cork misses out due to an ankle injury, which gives James Ward-Prowse the opportunity to return in midfield. Rickie Lambert drops to the bench for the hosts as Gaston Ramirez is handed a start by Mauricio Pochettino.
Hughton makes five changes to his Norwich team for the trip to St Mary's. Steven Whittaker, Ryan Bennett, Jonny Howson, Anthony Pilkington and Gary Hooper all earn recalls for the visitors following last weekend's 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
It really is an important afternoon for Norwich. They're currently four points clear of the relegation zone but their form over the next few weeks will be crucial. Norwich's run-in has been well reported, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal lining up for their final four fixtures of the campaign. Hughton will want to have plenty of breathing space before his side face those teams.
It can be difficult for teams like Southampton to find motivation at this stage of the season, with a spot in Europe out of their reach and having already been knocked out of the FA Cup. However, I'm sure the fans will tell you just how much they want to claim eighth spot in the Premier League. Newcastle stand in their way but a win this afternoon would see the Saints climb the table if the Magpies fail to beat Fulham.
It's interesting to see how many changes Hughton has made for this trip. A 1-1 draw with Stoke may have been a frustrating result but it might be a surprise for the team to be changed this much. I'm still not sure if Hughton know his best team and as the pressure grows on him, that could end up being important.
There has been one big problem for the Canaries this season. Goals. It's now been 11 matches since of the club's strikers found the back of the net in the Premier League. Quite simply, that's not good enough. Hooper, Johan Elmander and Ricky van Wolfswinkel were all brought in during the summer but they've failed to deliver the goods on a regular basis.
The Saints will be desperate to hit top form in front of their own supporters once again. They've not won any of their previous three home games but they did manage to build some confidence thanks to Jay Rodriguez's winner at Selhurst Park last week. He's been in fine form in attack and Norwich will be fully aware of the threat he poses.
In the reverse fixture between these two sides, back in August, Norwich managed to earn a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road. Nathan Redmond scored the only goal of the game on that afternoon. He's in the side again today. Any chance of a repeat?
Five of the previous seven matches between these two sides have ended in a draw. Norwich might just take a point today but at some stage, they simply have to start claiming wins to secure their Premier League status.
Remember, you can follow live text coverage of all of today's Premier League games by clicking on the fixture in the box to the right of the page. It's a big day at both ends of the table and the first result is already in. Manchester City have beaten Hull City 2-0 at the KC Stadium despite having Vincent Kompany sent off early in the first half.
If you missed it earlier, a report has suggested that Hughton is on his way out of Norwich at the end of the season. The decision has reportedly already been made by the club's hierarchy. Would that be a good decision?
The players are heading back inside following their warm-ups out in the middle. St Mary's is starting to fill up nicely and we're not far away from the action now.
The moods has certainly improved at Southampton recently. Pochettino recently hinted that he may sign a new deal at the club, while Ralph Krueger has been confirmed as the new chairman. Stability has been restored. It's looking up once again for the Saints.
These are the two sides to have let the most points slip from winning positions this season (15 each) in the Premier League, so the lead may change hands on a number of occasions today. Due to their concerns in front of goal, Norwich may feel that they need to make the breakthrough early on.
It certainly could be a big afternoon in Norwich City's season. A win would mean so much to the club at this stage but they definitely won't have it all their own way. It promises to be an exciting contest. Make sure you stick with me for live coverage and analysis.
The players are lining up in the tunnel now. Kevin Friend is the man in the middle this afternoon and he'll be taking the teams out in just a few moments.
It's a gorgeous day at St Mary's and there's a big reception from both supporters as the players emerge from the tunnel. Over 2000 Norwich supporters have made the long trip from Norfolk to watch their side today and they're already making plenty of noise.
Here we go then. Norwich will get the game underway.
There's an early sighting of Roy Hodgson in the stands as the England manager watches over Southampton's contingent of international hopefuls, with Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez all looking to impress again.
CHANCE! Ward-Prowse drifts out to the right to take a corner and delivers a great cross to Ramirez, who finds space in the box but can only head the ball just over the crossbar. Inches away from an early goal.
Good response from Norwich following a decent Southampton start but Snodgrass is left frustrated when his run down the right ends with a home goal kick.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 NORWICH (SCHNEIDERLIN)
Breakthrough for Southampton as the hosts are rewarded for an impressive start to the match. It's a lovely passing move from the Saints as Ramirez uses a Rodriguez dummy to find Schneiderlin, who slots the ball past Ruddy. Excellent goal.
Southampton pushing again as Shaw wins a free kick on the left. The lively Ramirez whips in a dangerous cross but Davis fails to find the target with a header under pressure from the Norwich defence.
Hughton will be very concerned with what he is seeing from his side at the moment. Norwich have been second best to everything and Southampton look in the mood to inflict some punishment at St Mary's.
Every move from Southampton is a joy to watch at the moment. The midfielders are finding it easy to keep the ball in central areas before quickly switching possession to the wings, where Clyne and Shaw are providing good support.
More worrying signs for the visitors as Johnson goes down in pain. The midfielder attempted to challenge Ward-Prowse but it is he who appears to have come off worse following an awkward landing. It looks like he should be able to continue after some treatment.
Johnson is back on the pitch but not much has changed in this contest. Southampton are on top and they look relaxed in possession as they make Norwich chase shadows around the pitch.
Yobo makes a crucial tackle to make sure his side do not fall further behind. It's more good play from the Saints as they work the ball to Rodriguez in the box but the striker is unable to beat the former Everton defender with his effort.
A rare spell of pressure for Norwich and a mistake almost gifts them an equaliser as Lovren and Fonte fail to communicate at the back. Boruc rushes off his line to make sure that Hooper doesn't have an opportunity to get a shot on goal.
At times it doesn't look like Norwich's players know who to mark. Lallana has been given the freedom to pop up in different areas of the pitch and he's using the role to frequently link up with Ward-Prowse and Schneiderlin.
SHOT! Ramirez's cross evades Rodriguez but finds Davis, who dodges a challenge from Yobo before hitting an effort just wide of the target.
SHOT! Superb work from Clyne as he sprints down the right before pulling the ball back for Ramirez but the Uruguayan can only curl the ball past the post from the edge of the box. Excellent football.
That one-minute spell of pressure for Norwich has proven to be a rarity. It's just not going Hughton's way and he'll be hoping that his side can at least reach the break without falling further behind.
Groans from the visiting supporters as Norwich manage to reach the halfway line before playing the ball all the way back to Ruddy due to some brilliant pressing from Southampton. There doesn't seem to be any space for the Canaries. We've barely seen Pilkington, Hooper and Snodgrass.
Clever play from Rodriguez to earn himself a yard of space in the box but his optimistic effort from a tight angle is well blocked by Bennett and Norwich eventually clear the danger.
Pochettino looks a very relaxed man on the sidelines. Hughton appears to be quite the opposite as he watches his side continue to struggle. Just over 15 minutes left in the first half.
The pace may have slowed slightly but that isn't stopping Shaw from venturing down the left as he just fails to keep in a long diagonal ball. It seems to be said every week but this youngster is very, very impressive.
SHOT! First sight of goal for Norwich as Hooper exchanges passes with Snodgrass on the edge of the box before slicing a shot just wide of Boruc's goal. Can the visitors build on that?
YELLOW CARD! Kevin Friend is forced to use his cards for the first time this afternoon when Davis catches Olsson with a nasty challenge. The Southampton midfielder can have no complaints about that booking.
Snodgrass uses some space to chip a ball towards the back post, where Pilkington sees a powerful effort blocked in a congested penalty area. Much better from Norwich but it's barely a half chance.
Ramirez, who has probably been the best player on the pitch today, plays a lovely pass to split the Norwich defence but Southampton's progress is halted when Rodriguez is flagged for offside.
Southampton aren't playing as fluently as they were earlier in the game but Pochettino's side are still in control of this match. The hosts might feel that a second goal would put this game beyond Norwich.
The referee is forced to have a word with both Rodriguez and Olsson after the pair clashed when the Norwich full-back appeared to kick the Saints forward. Kevin Friend does well to defuse the situation.
YELLOW CARD! Hooper breaks away and whips in an inviting cross but Pilkington, realising that he can't connect legally, throws his hand in the air and is booked for the handball.
The fourth official confirms that there will be two minutes of added time played.
Southampton in control during stoppage time but they're not threatening the Norwich goal. It looks like the first half will end 1-0.
HALF TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 NORWICH
Southampton are ahead at the halfway stage thanks to Schneiderlin's strike in the fifth minute. The hosts played some superb football early on but they've slowed the pace down since then. Norwich have struggled to threaten and look second-best at St Mary's.
After mentioning before the game just how important today could be for Norwich, it's been a surprise to see the visitors struggle to make an impact in the first half. It's certainly not been their worst display of the season but they've lacked the intensity which would trouble the Saints.
I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Hughton made a change or two at the interval. Nathan Redmond and Wes Hoolahan would both be good options for the visitors as they look to break down the Southampton defence. Redmond's pace would surely make a difference if he was introduced.
Pochettino will want his Saints side to match the football they produced in the first 25 minutes of the match. They can change things by bringing on Rickie Lambert to partner Rodriguez but the Saints boss will be happy with Ramirez's contribution so far. A second goal would allow the hosts to relax.
Both teams are on their way back out to the middle for the second half. It looks like the managers have resisted the urge to make any changes at the break. Southampton will get the game back underway
Southampton on the front foot early in the second half but the move breaks down when Rodriguez fouls Olsson near the corner flag.
Norwich are trying to be positive but all of their play is taking place in front of the Southampton defence. It's too easy for Lovren and Fonte. An injection of pace is certainly needed.
SAVE! Lovely play from Southampton to find Ward-Prowse in some space and the midfielder unleashes a powerful effort to force Ruddy into a good save.
Southampton threaten from the corner which follows Ruddy's save but Rodriguez is unable to direct a header on target while on the stretch.
Other than Ward-Prowse's strike, we haven't seen too much quality from either side since the second half got underway. It look likes Pochettino is preparing to make his first change.
SUBSTITUTION: Lambert is introduced off the bench to replace Lallana, who has been unusually quiet today.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 2-0 NORWICH (LAMBERT)
Superb sub! Pochettino might be patting himself on the back after seeing his side double their lead. Lambert collects a loose ball before beating Yobo and slotting the ball past Ruddy, who was left with no chance. The England striker makes an instant impact.
Hughton will be furious with how his side have fallen further behind and there won't be too many people backing Norwich to claim something from this game. It's just not been good enough from the visitors.
YELLOW CARD! Snodgrass is late with his challenge on Shaw and he's correctly booked for the foul.
SUBSTITUTION: Second change of the day as Guly do Prado comes off the bench to replace Ramirez, who gets a very good reception from the home supporters.
It was a bit of a surprise to see Ramirez taken off following such a good display but the Uruguayan reportedly has a slight hamstring problem.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Hughton uses all three of his changes but is it too little, too late? Van Wolfswinkel, Elmander and Redmond are sent on to replace Hooper, Pilkington and Johnson.
Hughton needs his substitutes to make a big impact on this game, and quickly. Southampton have been in fourth gear for most of the afternoon and they still look very relaxed with their two-goal lead.
It's a pleasure to watch Southampton. They've probably not been at their best but their ability to keep the ball is superb. Norwich are struggling to press the hosts as Pochettino's side continue to dominate possession.
More good news for Southampton supporters. Ashkan Dejagah has handed Fulham the lead in their game against Newcastle, which means that the Saints will climb to eighth if the scores stay the same.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 3-0 NORWICH (RODRIGUEZ)
Game over at St Mary's. Southampton take advantage of some poor defending to extend their lead with 18 minutes of normal time remaining. Do Prado's effort is blocked by Ruddy but the ball falls to Lambert, who picks out Rodriguez in space. The striker stays calm to fire in his 14th goal of the season. Great finish from the England international.
More frustrated groans coming from the away end when Whittaker uses some space to drag a shot wide of the target. That sums up Norwich's afternoon. It's been another poor day at the office for Hughton and his players.
Hughton made those changes but we've seen very little of the substitutes since their introduction. The Norwich manager surely left it too late to turn to his bench. This match was crying out for some pace but Redmond was left on the sidelines for too long.
Southampton's supporters are enjoying themselves as they witness their side knock the ball about with apparent ease. Pochettino will be delighted with how his side have managed to look untroubled throughout the match.
CROSSBAR! What a strike from Rodriguez. The Saints forward is gifted space 25 yards from goal and he almost doubles his tally in superb fashion but his effort strikes the crossbar.
SAVE! Ruddy is forced into action to prevent his side from conceding a fourth as he denies Lambert, who was superbly picked out by Ward-Prowse.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 3-1 NORWICH (ELMANDER)
It's a terrible mistake from Fonte as Elmander intercepts the defender's back pass before calmly beating Boruc with a good finish. Is it just a consolation?
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 3-2 NORWICH (SNODGRASS)
Oh my word! This game was over just a few moments ago but now Norwich are right back in it. Southampton fail to impress at the back again and Snodgrass takes full advantage to fire home his side's second after Boruc had denied Van Wolfswinkel. Can Norwich claim a point?
Incredible drama at St Mary's. Southampton were cruising but they now face a nervous few minutes. Some Norwich supporters left early but the fans that stayed inside the ground are urging their team forward now.
YELLOW CARD! Do Prado is booked for dissent before some more groans are heard in the stands, this time from Southampton's supporters. The fourth official has just confirmed that there will be five minutes of added time played.
A chances goes begging for Norwich. Snodgrass chips in a good cross towards Redmond, who fails to bring the ball under control in space inside the box. That could have been the opportunity for the equaliser.
Time is running out for Norwich. They're pushing for a dramatic equaliser but it looks like they may have left it too late. Where was this Norwich side earlier in the game?
SUBSTITUTION: One final change for Southampton as Sam Gallgher replaces Rodriguez.
Lovren limps off injured to leave Southampton down to 10 men for the final few moments. The substitution means that the game has been extended once again.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 4-2 NORWICH (GALLAGHER)
Southampton supporters, you can finally breathe again. The win is confirmed in the 97th minute of a dramatic game as Davis picks out Gallagher on the break and the young forward holds his nerve to score his side's fourth of the game.
FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 4-2 NORWICH
Did anyone see that finish coming? Southampton were cruising at 3-0 until a dramatic finish was set up thanks to goals from Elmander and Snodgrass. Norwich pushed for the equaliser in stoppage time but the Saints wrapped up the win thanks to a late Gallagher goal. In truth, the hosts deserved all three points.
Thanks for joining me this afternoon. I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Make sure you stick around for reaction and analysis from all of today's Premier League games.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
