Matheus Fernandes scored the game’s only goal with a fine finish early in the second half but Saints were pushed extremely hard by a spirited Northampton display. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields...
5. Joe Wormleighton
Brilliant bounce back display after a challenging debut at Wigan. He could run for days on end. Relentless in the first half in particular, charging up the pitch and regularly winning back possession. If he can add a touch of final-third quality to match his energy he'd have all the tools to be a successful wing-back at this level... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Jack Perkins
Same applies here. He too was hooked at half-time on debut but this was a much more accurate reflection of his level. Another one who plays with such energy and intensity. Up and down on the left all game. Fine cross for List to go close. You can see why Nolan likes him... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Dean Campbell
He's taken to life at Sixfields like a duck to water. Three games in and three very solid performances. After Southampton's bright start, he showed composure on the ball to wrestle an element of control alongside Fornah, the two combining nicely to keep possession and work Cobblers up the pitch. Set-pieces were better too... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Tyrese Fornah
Class performance. Such a fun player to watch. He showed the quality and calmness in possession that Cobblers needed and seemed to pop up everywhere, particularly in the second half. Defenders can't get the ball off him. There are times when he could release it sooner but it's almost as if it's stuck to his feet. Taylor's arrival could allow him to have the creative freedom to push further forward and roam in the final third. That's what we saw in the final 30 minutes here and it worked well... 8 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton