03 February 2024 , 21:17
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Manager Russell Martin hailed the guy he calls “boss” as Southampton surged into the top-two.
Saints stretched their unbeaten run to 23 games with goals from Jan Bednarek, on his 200th club appearance, and top scorer Adam Armstrong. Poland centre-half Bednarek headed home after just four minutes and gave a masterclass as his side eased past rock-bottom Rotherham. Stuart Armstrong also celebrated his double-ton for the visitors.
Martin said: “They’ve both been massive for us. Huge. But Janny is for the courage he shows with ball. He’s been one of the best players in the league. He’s been amazing. He’s so commanding, has authority and with the ball I think people underestimate what he does for the team.
“He’s brilliant. I love working with him and call him the boss on the pitch as often he is. He starts so many things for us and orchestrates so much.”
In a bid to improve matchday atmosphere, Rotherham gave long-suffering fans the chance to vote for a new club anthem. Cliff Richard’s Bachelor Boy came out tops and it helped get the noise levels up at kick-off. But the home faithful - whose side have won just once in 17 games - were soon silenced with Saints taking the lead inside just four minutes.
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The hosts failed to deal with a corner and centre-half Bednarek headed in his second goal of the season. Jordan Hugill clipped a shot narrowly over in response but then it was all Southampton as they dominated the first half. Ryan Fraser, excellent down the left flank, saw his 20 yard curled effort strike a post.
Jan Bednarek(L) of Southampton is congratulated by team mate Ryan Fraser (Southampton FC via Getty Images)Che Adams slipped Stuart Armstrong in but Millers keeper Viktor Johansson produced a great save. However, Martin’s side did add their second in the 38th minute with a quality effort. Fraser latched onto a brilliant long pass down the middle and then produced an exquisite backheel for Armstrong to fire in his 15th goal of the campaign.
Moments later, Johansson was on hand to deny Will Smallbone with a superb save. He reacted brilliantly again to prevent Armstrong getting his second in the 66th minute. Saints brought on David Brooks for his debut after the Bournemouth winger completed a season-long loan move on Tuesday.
He went close late on but his new side had already done enough in the first half. Rotherham are now 12 points adrift of safety but boss Leam Richardson insisted: “Exactly what we expected. They’re a team full of quality. We knew the challenges. We’re just disappointed with the way we started, conceding early, and it gave them a lift.”