Azaz strike sends Southampton into play-off places | OneFootball

Southampton beat Norwich City 1-0 at St Mary's on Wednesday to rise from seventh to sixth in the Championship.

In the 24th minute, Finn Azaz arrived at the back post to steer in after Cyle Larin's cushioned header set up the chance.

After the restart, Saints sat in, and Daniel Peretz produced a commanding display, making seven saves as the Canaries pushed. He thwarted Kenny McLean from range and clawed away Ruairi McConville's header in second half stoppage time.

Norwich introduced Pelle Mattsson at half time and later Errol Mundle-Smith, which lifted their tempo down the right. Saints countered with Cameron Bragg, then Shea Charles and Tom Fellows to reinforce midfield and protect the lead.

A knock to Jack Stacey forced a Canaries change, adding to a stop-start second half, before late pressure brought a flurry of corners but no equaliser.

Saints tallied nine attempts with four on target and absorbed long spells without the ball. The Canaries registered 14 attempts and seven on target, reflecting their territorial control.

Next, Saints host Oxford United. The Canaries visit Charlton Athletic.