Southampton brushed aside Preston North End last night as they continued their surge towards the automatic promotion spots.
Russell Martin‘s side have now closed the gap to just four points on second-placed Leicester City, who they face next week in a promotion six-pointer.
It was a totally dominant display from the hosts and there were a number of outstanding performances across the pitch.
Though, Ryan Manning stood out more than any other and Saints fans were all in agreeance.
Southampton fans hail Ryan Manning
Manning has endured a tricky debut campaign on the South Coast, having joined on a free transfer from Swansea City last summer.
The attack-minded left-back has found himself on the substitutes bench in recent weeks but was handed the opportunity from the start against North End after a brilliant cameo in the win over Watford on Saturday.
He certainly repaid the trust shown in him by Martin, as he produced a dominant display down the left, creating a number of opportunities for his teammates.
On X (formerly Twitter), one Saints fan wrote: “Hats off to Ryan Manning tonight could have so easily come back in and put a foot wrong. Instead he looked like the player we were all hyped about seeing when he signed for us. Definitely his best performance in a saints shirt.”
Another added: “That back 4 tonight has to stay the same. It’s our best line up. Manning brings so much to our attack down the left.”
A third commented: “Manning had the game of his life tonight!”
“I’ve been critical of him all season but that was probably Manning’s best performance in a #saintsfc shirt,” another posted.
Ryan Manning will be full of confidence
Last night’s performance would’ve done Manning’s confidence the world of good and perhaps he’ll really kick on now.
As supporters alluded to, Saints look like a much better side with him in it, as he adds another outlet down the left.
Martin should stick with the same back four against Cardiff City on Saturday, as he may have just found the perfect balance.
Perhaps against The Foxes next week, though, Manning may have less licence to bomb forward as he’ll be up against the jet-heeled Abdul Fatawu.
