Southampton stretched their undefeated streak in the Premier League to six matches as they notched a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Dusan Tadic scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot after Yann M'Vila brought down Ryan Bertrand in the box in the 69th minute.
The Saints were rarely troubled for the remainder of the contest, aside from Fabio Borini's effort, which forced a save from Southampton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
It was the second time this season Southampton have kept back-to-back clean sheets.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Sunderland: 0
Southampton: 1 (Tadic 69')
Stadium of Light, Sunderland – 41,781
TALKING POINTS
Sunderland have now conceded 26 goals this campaign, more than any other side in the Premier League. Fixing the Black Cats leaky defence must surely be Sam Allardyce's top priority as he looks to steer the Wearside club clear of relegation.
Southampton completed nearly 200 more passes than their opponents as they continue to hit their stride under Ronald Koeman and push towards the Premier League's top four.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Sunderland travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, with Southampton host Stoke City at St Mary's.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Great worked win and back to Southampton! Victoria bien trabajada! #WeMarchOn@GPelle19pic.twitter.com/CCoM1MdQ1z
— Oriol Romeu (@OriolRomeu) November 7, 20153 points! #WeMarchOn#saintsfc#PremierLeague photocredit: Pro Shots pic.twitter.com/z0xbx1MbWu
— Jordy Clasie (@JordyClasie) November 7, 2015QUOTES CORNER
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce believes his side are playing scared:
"We are playing with fear and we need to get rid of that. In the end we have gifted it to Southampton. We need to pass the ball better. Our passing was poor and I think it's the fear of the position we are in.
"It could have been a point. We have to do better and cut out the silly mistakes. At the moment we are not good enough."
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman discusses his side's top four hopes:
"I think if we reach European football, it would be like we had won the title. Of course it's possible. We have the experience from last year. But we have potential, we have qualities, in my opinion, we have a squad now to fight for that.
"Top four? It's maybe too difficult. Qualifying for Europe means maybe seventh place - like last season."
STATS SPECIALS
6 - Southampton have scored the most headed goals this season in the Premier League; twice as many as they did in 2014-15 overall. Nod.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 7, 2015