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Southampton 2-1 Bournemouth: Three takeaways

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Dusan Tadic of Southampton celebrates scoring his side's second goal with Nathan Redmond and Oriol Romeu during the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Dusan Tadic of Southampton celebrates scoring his side's second goal with Nathan Redmond and Oriol Romeu during the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Shane Long of Southamton goes for a header with Nathan Ake of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Shane Long of Southamton goes for a header with Nathan Ake of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Southampton went into a must win game against Bournemouth and came out with all three points for just the second time in 22 Premier League games.

A very eventful first half was highlighted by two goals.  After a nervy first 20 minutes, Southampton found themselves a lead thanks to Dusan Tadic.  A three-on-one counter attack led by Nathan Redmond and Mario Lemina was finished off by the Serbian all alone with the goalkeeper.

Even with a momentum swing in their favor, the Saints surrendered a goal just before the whistle, as Oriol Romeu lost Josh King at the back post.

Bournemouth controlled the opening of the second half until Dusan Tadic made it a double with a toed shot from just outside the penalty box. It was a grind-it-out mentality from then on, as Alex McCarthy and the Saints defense did everything they could to win.  Including a stretch where four Southampton players received yellow cards in what seemed like just two our three minute span.

The win preserves hope, and a trip to Everton is next on the schedule.

Here are three key takeaways from the game.