Southampton kept their slim hopes of automatic promotion alive as Flynn Downes scored the winner with the last kick of the game against Watford.
Russell Martin would have been tearing his hair out as his side threw away a two-goal lead to let Watford level the scores in the 85th-minute, but Downes stepped up to be the hero as he fired home from a Southampton corner to make it 3-2 with 99 minutes on the clock.
Southampton had the perfect start, with Will Smallbone firing the home side in front within the first minute. They did not have to wait long until that lead was doubled either, with Che Adams scoring his third goal in two games on 20 minutes.
As they have so often this season, Southampton struggled to kill the game off and allowed their visitors back into proceedings through Ryan Porteous before half-time.
Watford built up a head of steam in the second-half and levelled through Ismael Koné just minutes after Martin had brought on Jan Bednarek to help get his side over the line.
Flynn Downes goal builds Southampton momentum
At 2-2 and with just five minutes of regular time remaining, Southampton fans would have been forgiven for feeling as though any hopes of automatic promotion had died.
Now, with the thrill of a last-minute winner on the back of a 2-1 midweek win over Coventry City, the Saints may well feel like they are building some real momentum for the final few weeks of the season.
Having failed to win in their first three games after the March international break, Southampton looked resigned to a play-off spot; even Martin accepting this was the most likely conclusion to the season.
But, with the three sides above them all struggling to get across the line, the St Mary’s side suddenly have a glimmer of hope again. Perhaps, with the pressure off, Martin’s side are now in a position where they can focus on themselves and getting results to see where that takes them.
With Leicester City and Leeds United still to play – the latter on the final day of the season – Southampton need to ensure they still have something to play for as they go into those heavyweight clashes.
Leicester, Leeds and Ipswich Town have all failed to win both of their two Championship games each this week. This has really opened the door for Southampton despite it appearing bolted shut after they drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Had they not won at home to Watford they could well have been considered out of the race. However, Downes’ goal keeps them alive and his performance was worthy of being the match-winner.
Downes records incredible statistics against Watford
Downes was an unlikely hero given this was just his second goal of the campaign.
The loanee has been one of the standout performers for Southampton all season long and everyone associated with the club will be desperate to make his loan deal permanent in the summer.
Against Watford, Downes was imperious despite the Saints almost throwing the points away.
The 25-year-old is well regarded in terms of what he can do in possession, but it was Downes’ performance out of possession against Watford that really caught the eye on Saturday.
According to Sofascore, the holding midfielder won eight of his 11 duels versus the Hornets, giving him a duel success rate of a remarkable 74%. What’s more, Downes also made four tackles and four interceptions in what was a really solid showing.
With the ball Downes was assured as Southampton fans have come to expect, with 89 touches and an 84% pass success rate.
It is no secret that Martin is a huge admirer of the player he also managed at Swansea City. He will undoubtedly continue to be a key member of the Southampton side between now and the end of the season; whether that be in five games time or after the play-offs.
Speaking about the West Ham United loanee after a win over Birmingham in October, Martin waxed lyrical about Downes, saying: “Flynn has been monstrous. Physically he is a beast and he has so much composure on the ball. His teammates really appreciate the role that he has because it’s so tough being that guy.”
Whilst Downes future behind this season is uncertain, for now Southampton will just be grateful they have the midfield maestro in their ranks ahead of a huge end to the campaign.