Nathan Redmond found his shooting boots as Southampton put their EFL Cup final heartache behind them with a thrilling 4-3 win at Watford on Saturday.
Redmond, converted from winger to striker by manager Claude Puel in the summer, netted twice as Saints recovered from conceding to Troy Deeney after only four minutes to claim all three points.
Dusan Tadic was also on target, while Italy ace Manolo Gabbiadini continued his goal-laden start to his Premier League career by scoring for the sixth time in four matches.
Positives
Southampton showed tremendous character to put their Wembley torment behind them and claim a rare away victory. The link-up play between Redmond, Tadic and Gabbiadini was sensational at times, which bodes well for the rest of the season. Gabbiadini is now the first player in club history to find the net in each of his first four games with the team.
Negatives
Conceding three goals will do little to bolster goalkeeper Fraser Forster's fragile confidence. Southampton do not play again for a fortnight due to their game at home to Manchester United being postponed, meaning they will not get the chance build momentum with the win.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Puel deserves a huge amount of credit for the way he picked his players up to ensure they did not suffer any Wembley hangover. The boss finally seems to have found a settled lineup, naming the same XI for the third game in a row, which is paying dividends.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Fraser Forster, 5 -- Could not do much about any of the goals, but was not commanding enough in his own penalty area, which put doubts in his defenders' minds.
DF Cedric Soares, 6 -- Was more comfortable going forward than at the back. Puel will demand more defensive discipline.
DF Maya Yoshida, 7 -- Enjoyed a good battle with Watford striker Deeney. Has grown in stature in recent weeks.
DF Jack Stephens, 6 -- Is part of a defence that has conceded six goals in two games. His place is likely to come under threat once new signing Martin Caceres is fully fit.
DF Ryan Bertrand, 6 -- Is always a good outlet down the left. Could have done more to stop Watford from getting crosses into the box.
MF Oriol Romeu, 7 -- Is having a fantastic season. Saints will be hoping rumours of a move to Barcelona are no more than speculation.
MF Steven Davis, 6 -- Southampton needed his work rate against a busy Watford side.
MF James Ward-Prowse, 6 -- Is one of the first names on the team sheet for the first time in his Saints career. Put in another solid showing.
MF Dusan Tadic, 8 -- Showed great awareness for his goal and did not give the Watford defence a moment's respite. Was back to his best.
MF Nathan Redmond, 8 -- Must have caught the eye of watching England coach Gareth Southgate and not just because of his haircut. Took his goals like a seasoned striker.
FW Manolo Gabbiadini, 7 -- Was subdued for much of the game, but still managed to extend his scoring streak. Southampton have unearthed a little gem.
Substitutes
FW Sofiane Boufal, N/R -- Had a lively cameo for the last 12 minutes.
FW Jordy Clasie, N/R -- Had no time to get involved in proceedings.
FW Shane Long, N/R -- May struggle to get his place back if Saints' new-look front four continues to excel.