Bristol City 3-1 Southampton: Hosts end Saints’ 25-game unbeaten streak

Southampton lost for the first time since 23 September as Bristol City scored three second-half goals to end Saints’ club-record 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Saints had not lost since their four straight defeats in September – but their only consolation was a late Adam Armstrong penalty as they were overtaken by Leeds United, whose 4-0 win at Swansea lifted them to second.

Liam Manning’s City move into the top half, up to 11th, after ending a run of four home games without a win.

The home side grabbed a 52nd-minute lead when, after a neat one-two with Jason Knight on the right of the box, Albanian midfielder Anis Mehmeti crossed low for Bell to score from close range.

It was his first goal since a run of three in five games in September.

Centre-back Dickie then rose above the Saints defence to head home a Joe Williams corner from the left after 72 minutes.

Former Luton Town stalwart Cornick got the third to cap a deserved victory when he lashed home a cross from fellow substitute Ross McCrorie on 82 minutes.

Russell Martin’s Saints had to wait until stoppage time to reply when Armstrong scored from the spot following a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters, who had earlier come close to scoring himself, forcing a good save at his near post from City goalkeeper Max O’Leary.

That at least kept Armstrong’s impressive away form going with the striker having now been involved in eight goals in his last nine league games on the road (four goals, four assists).

Who’s next?

Southampton are on their travels again on Friday night when they head to The Hawthorns to face fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Bristol City return to action on Saturday at home to struggling Queens Park Rangers.