Hull 0-1 Southampton: Saints In Control At The KC

Southampton consolidated second place until tomorrow at least as a 40 yard Victor Wanyama strike earned the Saints the win at Hull. He broke the deadlock inside three minutes after a poor clearance from stand in 'keeper Eldin Jakupovic fell to Wanyama, who gave the Saints an early lead.

Southampton came out of the blocks straight away as they took the lead within three minutes. Hull ‘keeper Eldin Jakupovic cleared the ball poorly and it fell straight to Wanyama, who hit it from around 40 yards out, and he gave Southampton the dream start.

Since the goal the Saints controlled the play, by keeping the ball and not letting Hull get into the game. The hosts had their chances, with Mohamed Diame threatening constantly but not having that final touch. But with Southampton having the best defence in the league, it looked unlikely Hull would get a goal in the first half.

The pace of the game slowed right down with neither side showing any real urgency. Hull were biding their time with Southampton simply sitting back and preserving their lead. The second half began as the first ended, with Southampton controlling the play and Hull struggling to flourish in the final third.

The game reached a stasis period as nothing of real note appeared to happen. Hull's star man was winger Robbie Brady, who was a constant threat to the Saints' defence. Diame and Abel Hernandez were always having attempts saved by Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster or the defence was up to the challenge.

Saints substitute Sadio Mane went closest to making it 2-0 after his shot from close range went just over the bar. The game ended 1-0 to the visitors and they now sit five points ahead of third placed Manchester City, who don't play until Sunday's Manchester derby.

As Southampton have only conceded five goals this season, it looked very unlikely that the Tigers would get an equaliser, with Hull missing Nikica Jelavic, who's still out injured, and loan signing Hatem Ben Arfa struggling to get up to speed after his move from Newcastle. Hernandez is playing well after his £10million move in the summer. But the worrying thing for the Tigers is that they haven't scored in the last two games.