After a poor set of results to start the season, Southampton now have a Premier League win to their name and are gearing up for a key game against Wolves on Saturday.
Much has been written about Russell Martin, his tactics and whether the Saints can adapt to top-flight football.
But what is the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?
The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners podcast has landed.
Tom Deacon and Adam Blackmore enjoy the Saints' first Premier League victory of the season, and are joined by Ryan Leister from The Wolves Report podcast to preview Saturday's match at Molineux.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Ray Hunt
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesAt last. The moment we all needed.
We needed some luck, but we got there somehow. Finally a win in the Premier League that ends the 19-month wait.
It follows a busy, but successful week for Saints after progression in the Carabao Cup to the quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a narrow, nail-biting victory over struggling Championship side Stoke City.
Confidence was indeed built from the buoyant, but ultimately unsuccessful trip to Manchester City where Russell Martin quoted: "Today has given me even more belief. But we have a massive two weeks ahead, starting on Tuesday."
With Tuesday's opponents Stoke taken care of (just) the attentions switched to Everton. The one that really mattered. Once again, we made things difficult and nervy in true Saints style. Can you blame us after all the negativity and late concessions?
With three points finally in the bag, the pressure has eased on Martin, albeit, it is a minor respite. Focus will now turn to another crunch game at the bottom of the league. Wolves host Saints next - the team that replaced us at the foot of the table and who still search for that elusive first win of the campaign.
It is going to be another long week full of tension as we wait, but we should enjoy this win and be proud. Could this be a turning point? A win at Wolves would spark more belief, but it is important to remember it is only one win. This was a lucky escape. On the flip side, luck has been against us with those marginal decisions.
Losing at Molineux would see us return to the bottom and pile the pressure back on, with the prospect of Liverpool visiting after the next international break.
It is a valuable win. A building block. In the words of Kyle Walker-Peters - "be calm and trust the process".
Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Southampton and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Southampton fans:
Vincent: What a relief. Everton helped us out by being pretty poor for large parts of the game and when they improved we got the luck we needed thanks to the crossbar and VAR. Still lots to improve on but it feels like we have positive momentum.
Daz: Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, it's only our first win in 10 games in the Premier League and to be honest it was a lucky win at that - we were lucky to hold on to the 1-0. We are still in a relegation spot, so is this the start of something good? Who knows, but I certainly won't be holding my breath. A lucky escape for Russell Martin this time around.
Connor: Not a perfect performance, we needed a lot of luck to get us over the line. Nonetheless, I welcome the feeling of a long awaited win and I just hope the confidence gained can kick start our season. Three more points next weekend please!
Mark: Don't get me wrong, I am very happy we finally won a game but in my opinion we could and should have lost. We can't defend. Playing out from the back will kill us. Martin has no clue about tactics or substitutions. We will be relegated.
Everton fans:
Nigel: This all hangs on Dyche. He hasn't got it in him to try anything different. He could have tried Calvert-Lewin and Beto together. He could stop playing his favourites (McNeil). He could start our best player, Branthwaite. But he's just stubborn, or hasn't the coaching ability. I'm grateful for his service in keeping us up, but it's time to go!
Peter: Every week we stick with Calvert-Lewin, every week he fails to engage in the team strategy, then we bring on Beto who looks 100% behind the team plan. Beto wants first team football, Calvert-Lewin won't sign a new contract. Am I missing something?
Ed: Dyche has to go, plain and simple. Southampton have beaten us twice. Embarrassing. Our unbeaten run has flattered us and I honestly think anyone could get a better tune out of these players than the current management. Focusing on key decisions is a distraction from the underlying mess. The whole club needs flushing out from top to bottom.
Jim: Very sloppy performance, couldn't keep hold of the ball and no decisive cutting edge in attack. Took off our influential attacker in the second half which is a bit baffling. Everton left the back door open for their winner. Head scratching time.
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Solent Sport Editor Adam Blackmore spoke to the 'Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast about Southampton's first Premier League win of the season:
"I was so pleased for everyone in St Mary's. I am pleased for the manager. Although I might have some criticism when they don’t play as I would want them to, I am pleased for him as a person. I think he had the weight of the world on him and he was being targeted by lots of people. I just feel pleased for him, the coaching team and the players because it’s not easy what you go through being in the public spotlight."
Former Southampton player Jo Tessem added: "We have got all the margins going our way this week. You do need a little bit of luck in football but you make the luck. That can be such a season-changing moment for the club and for Russell Martin to have that lift and get away with it, that was really tense. You have to have some luck and that can be so vital.
"You have to break the habit [of losing] and now you have won the game, and you know you can win the game, that's the important thing here.
"We are technically all in the same boat. We want to win games; he wants to win games and the fans want to win games. It’s a very tough league and our aim is to stay alive in the Premier League and we have to remember this.
"How good would it be if we go to Wolves and get another three points? That could be the aim and that’s how you start feeling. When you get feel-good factors it, drives you towards the next game."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Laura Kenyon
Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesYou could forgive a side languishing rock bottom of the Premier League, without a win and a solitary point from nine games, if they allowed disharmony and division to creep in.
So, with Saints going into their 10th league game, pressure mounting for points and not just performances, it was almost unusual the signs of unity permeating from within the club. Before the game, players were declaring their love for Russell Martin.
Martin was praising supportive owners. It indicates a culture of unison internally, even if opinions continue to be divided externally.
Yes, there is a long way to go if Southampton are to secure another season in the top flight. But they have a far greater chance of doing so if that culture continues.
The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast has landed, as they relish in Southampton picking up their first win of the season and discuss what made the difference against the Toffees.
There is also post-match reaction from Russell Martin and Aaron Ramsdale.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton manager Russell Martin has been speaking after today's victory:
"It's a big relief, I have happiness, pride and gratitude with the players, the staff, owners and the board. It's been a tough period.
"The guys stuck with it, the way they work, the way they train, they're an amazing group, I love being here and I want to drag it out for as long as I can.
"They (Everton) threw everything at us, they're a good team, a strong team, they're organised and make it difficult. Some of the football we played today was outstanding."
On goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale: "He was massive and I'm surprised he's here still.
"We were able to get him and I'm grateful we did and the support by everyone to get him. It took a long time to court him and persuade him to come, but he did and I hope he's getting as much from it as we are from him because his character is immense. He's got a good voice, trains properly, adds value.
"On the pitch, the save from the one from Michael Keane is a top save, he gives us moments like that and that can be the difference."
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton have ended a 22-game winless run in the Premier League, with this their first win in the top-flight since March 2023 against Leicester.
Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton have won 14 Premier League home games against Everton – the most against an opponent in the club’s history
The overwhelming feeling as the full-time whistle blew at St Mary's was one of relief - and now Russell Martin will hope the confidence this breakthrough victory should bring can kick-start Saints' season.
Praise from Pep Guardiola is all well and good, but the pressure to translate pleasing football in to points was increasing after Saints equalled their longest winless run from the beginning of a league campaign with defeat at the champions last week.
The end of a 22-game winless run in the Premier League. A first win in the top-flight since March 2023. Off the bottom of the table.
This will undoubtedly feel like a significant weight lifted as Southampton aim to mount a meaningful survival challenge following promotion, with another key meeting to come against Wolves next week.
Martin will believe this result shows his decision to persevere with his principles in the face of adversity is beginning to bear fruit, and can lead to the club achieving its target this season.
But now his side must back it up to build momentum before the international break, following which they face Liverpool, Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Southampton’s performance, external
What did you make of Everton’s display?, external
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 10 he takes on The Piano TV series winner Brad Kella.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Everton's late equaliser against Fulham helped get me a predictions win last week, and I am going for another 1-1 draw this time too.
The way both teams approach the game is interesting. Sean Dyche's side have got the nous and are streetwise, while Southampton are viewed by many as being naive and playing fantasy football, with their style of play under Russell Martin.
You look at the games that Saints have thrown away - like they did against Leicester and Ipswich - and you feel like Dyche will have hope on Saturday even if his side are trailing late on.
I really enjoyed seeing Dyche put centre-half Michael Keane up as a makeshift centre-forward to mix things up against Fulham, and his Everton team never lie down, which is why I think they will get something out of this game too.
Brad's prediction: 2-0
Southampton to win, no doubt about this one!
Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.
Newcastle v Arsenal - 12:30
Bournemouth v Manchester City
Ipswich v Leicester
Liverpool v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Southampton v Everton
Wolves v Crystal Palace - 17:30 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off 15:00 GMT unless stated
Image source, Getty ImagesEarlier, we asked you to identify the former Southampton player from their Premier League statistics playing for the club.
The correct answer was Dusan Tadic.
Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist
Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The players have "pretty much recovered" from the illness which was sweeping through the club. Ryan Fraser is the only doubt for this weekend after coming off early in the Carabao Cup win: "We will have to assess him again in the morning. He trained a little bit today, but we will have to see if he is available."
There was "a level of pride" after the display in Saints' defeat at Manchester City last weekend, and "a really good feeling" after the midweek victory against Stoke City.
He feels his players have been "fighting" and "competitive", despite still not picking up a win in the Premier League this season: "We haven't felt like we have come away with what we should have, but we have to make sure we put things right. It is a long old season and we have been so competitive and so close. We just need to see one through now - that will help us hugely."
Everton's five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League has "changed things dramatically for them" and Martin is "really confident" his side is capable of going on a similar run of form. He added: "It has to start somewhere, so hopefully that is tomorrow."
On taking on Sean Dyche's side: "They are in a really good place. They have found a bit of rhythm. They have a manager with so much experience, and a team that is really well organised and good at what they do. I think it is going to be difficult. The challenge for us is to play how we want to play, but they definitely don't make that easy."
He added: "We have to try to win the game. The situation we are in is so frustrating, but we have a lot of time to put it right and grow. This game, and the Wolves game, are huge for us. We want to get our first win, get some points, and improve where we are in the table."
On his relationship with the owners after a difficult start to the campaign: "The owners have been brilliant. Everyone has been so supportive. I don't think people understand how close we are. I think there's a level of respect between us all. We are having to do things differently here - we can't spend loads of money - so we will keep trying to do it in our way until I'm told I'm not required to try any more."
Adam Lallana is an "amazing character" and Martin is "really happy" with the relationship he has formed with the veteran midfielder: "He asks me lots of questions, I ask him lots of questions. I think we need that experience in the team right now. Adam has a lot of voice on the pitch and off the pitch, so he is a big part of what we're doing."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Guess the former Southampton player from their Premier League statistics at the club:
Years at club: 2014-2018
National team: Serbia
Position: Midfielder
Appearances: 134
Goals: 20
Answer will be revealed at 17:00 GMT
The bottom six teams in the Premier League all play one another on Saturday and with the way the season has gone so far, those fixtures are going to be big.
Winning these games and earning three points could at the end of the season be called the six-pointers.
When I played for Reading and we were fighting down the bottom of the league, these are the fixtures that we looked for because they are must-win games.
I am not sure Crystal Palace would have targeted these at the start of the season because they would have expected to have been higher in the league, but the newly promoted teams will have.
Wolves probably need the win the most because they wouldn't have expected to be second from bottom after nine games and they need to start picking up results.
It is a little bit more difficult for the promoted teams because they are still trying to adapt to the Premier League.
I don't think these results will necessarily define any team's season - as it so early on - but winning helps to break the rut and sometimes it becomes difficult for teams to know how to win when they aren't.
For all of these teams something has to adapt at some stage. You have to find a way to win a game, even if it is scruffy, and especially against those teams that are in and around you.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw has been made for the Carabao Cup quarter finals, with eight Premier League clubs having made it through.
For the first time in 14 years it is an all Premier League quarter-final line-up, with ties including Tottenham hosting Manchester United and holders Liverpool travelling to Southampton.
Matches are scheduled to take place the week commencing 17 December.
All the fixtures are shown below:
Tottenham v Manchester United
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Brentford
Southampton v Liverpool
In the latest Saints and Sinners podcast from BBC Radio Solent, Tom Deacon is joined by Youtuber Max Fosh to chat fantasy football tactics.
Toffees fan and taxi driver to the stars, Phil, will also be joining to help preview a huge game against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Adam Blackmore reflects on another win in the Carabao Cup and chats about who Manchester United should appoint as their new manager.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
