Early lead

Southampton opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Cyle Larin netted his third goal in as many games, calmly finishing off a perfectly weighted pass from Flynn Downes. The early advantage set the tone for a match that would see the Saints’ never-say-die attitude shine through.

Stoke equalises

Stoke’s Ethan Galbraith levelled the score in the 26th minute. A cross from Sam Gallagher found Galbraith at the far post, and he capitalised on the opportunity to bring the hosts back into the game.

Late drama

With the match heading for a draw, a late goal from Divin Mubama - who spent last season on loan at Stoke - secured the Saints’ first win of the season. Shortly after, Ryan Manning converted a penalty after Samuel Edozie was brought down, giving Southampton a 3-1 victory. The penalty was controversial, with Stoke manager Mark Robins insisting Edozie had strayed offside.

Disciplinary action

Stoke’s Svante Ingelsson was sent off for a second booking after bringing down Edozie for the penalty. The red card added to an already difficult day for the hosts.

Managerial comments

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert praised his players’ commitment, saying: “We made a commitment at half-time that we go all in and I think we deserve to bring that game in our direction in the second half.” He also highlighted the club’s four-point deduction and the need to overturn it quickly.

Robins, meanwhile, called for new recruits ahead of the transfer deadline, noting that some of his players were not yet at full fitness. He added: “We’re desperately crying out for it (new players). But I know that the owner has been absolutely fantastic and he will do as much as he possibly can do.”

Transfer news

The big story before kick-off was the omission of Taylor Harwood-Bellis from the Southampton squad after a failed £18 million bid from Aston Villa. Eckert said Harwood-Bellis had “left absolutely everything here for this club in the last season” and praised his love for the club and teammates.

Southampton’s win is a vital step in their campaign, as they look to reverse the fortunes that have seen them start the season with a four-point deduction and a string of defeats.