Southampton extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 3-0 Championship win over Blackburn Rovers, a result that lifted them to fourth and kept them within three points of second place. Goals from Cyle Larin and Ryan Manning in the first half put the home side firmly in charge, and Cameron Archer's late finish completed a comfortable evening.
This rearranged fixture, moved at late notice after Southampton's progress to the FA Cup semi-final, was played in front of only a small pocket of Blackburn supporters who made the midweek trip south. Even with Tonda Eckert making five changes from the side that beat Derby 2-1 on Saturday, Southampton's rhythm scarcely faltered, and Blackburn spent long stretches trying to escape sustained pressure.
Early pressure becomes a deserved lead
Southampton set the tone quickly. Archer's early volley was deflected narrowly over the bar, and Larin soon tested Balazs Toth when he met James Bree's corner with a firm header that required a good save.