Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was delighted for matchwinner Che Adams after victory over Manchester City.
Adams, who joined Saints from Birmingham City for £15m a year ago, lobbed goalkeeper Ederson with a first-time strike from 40 yards out after Oleksandr Zinchenko had surrendered possession in midfield.
It has taken 30 appearances for 23-year-old Adams to open his account for the Saints, after registering 22 goals in 46 Championship games last season.
"When you hear how much the guys were celebrating him as he went into the dressing room, then you know how happy they are he scored," Hasenhuttl said.
"He has always been working hard. He showed the trust we had in him to start him today was the right one."