STUART Armstrong's fantastic free kick as the difference at Stoke City as Saints claimed a 1-0 victory on Tuesday night.

Russell Martin's side have now won back-to-back games after a run of four straight defeats in the league.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance during their 1-0 win over Stoke City...

Gavin Bazunu – 7.

Looked shaky early on. Improved as the game went early on. Pulled off a good save when a Stoke shot was deflected from close range. Took his time on the ball and added a level of calm to the defence.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 8.

Made an important tackle to stop youngster Lowe from scoring when he was in space to score. Combined well with Adam Armstrong. Looked a threat as ever when running forward.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 8.

Had his best performance in a Southampton shirt. Looks to have settled in alongside the more experienced Jan Bednarek. No faults to note.

Jan Bednarek – 7.

Had a strong defensive performance in the first half when Southampton were under pressure. Lucky not to concede a penalty for grabbing Nathan Lowe. Other than that he was outstanding.

Ryan Manning – 6.

Made a vital defensive intervention to stop a Stoke chance as the hosts started brightly. Manning made 65 touches in the first half – by far the most of any player.

Flynn Downes – 8.

A characteristic Downes performance. Didn't stand out - except for his scrap with Johnson - which is precisely what you want from your holding midfielder.

Will Smallbone – 7.

Booed early on by his former supporters. Did well to track back and marshal out a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Stuart Armstrong – 8.

Misplaced a number of passes during a shaky start to the first half. Won a free-kick on the edge of the box before stepping forward to put Saints ahead with a sensational effort.

Charly Alcaraz – 7.

Stayed in the side despite Martin’s mention of rotation. Looked increasingly tired as the first half progressed – likely as a result of his lack of minutes recently. Blocked the goalkeeper's view for Armstrong’s goal.

Adam Armstrong – 8.

Had an early low shot saved by Mark Travers, but the referee didn’t award a corner, much to Armstrong’s surprise. Led as a captain by working relentlessly off the ball.

Kamaldeen Sulemana – 6.

Kept his place in the starting lineup after his starring role against Leeds. Wasn’t as impactful in the first half as he was against Leeds United. Could have scored, but for a good save from Travers. Replaced by Fraser on 70 minutes.

Substitutions

Sekou Mara – 6.

Making his first appearance since the Ipswich defeat. Committed a foul almost immediately after coming on. Smashed a shot wide having been played in by Joe Aribo.

Ryan Fraser – 6.

Brought on with 20 minutes of regular time remaining to help close out the game while providing a threat on the break. Brilliant running to help create the above-mentioned Mara chance.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Played in Mara, who should have done better with his shot. Should have been played in by Smallbone, but the Irish midfielder opted to shoot.

Shea Charles - N/A.

Introduced late on to help add steel to the midfield as Stoke piled bodies forward for an equaliser.

Mason Holgate - N/A.

Brought on in injury time. Helped Southampton hold onto the win.