SAINTS manager Russell Martin insisted he hopes the supporters "enjoyed" his side's convincing 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. 

Samuel Edozie netted for the second time in a week as Southampton dispatched Blackburn 4-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches.

Winger Edozie poked in a corner before Stuart Armstrong’s third goal of the season, Sekou Mara’s tap-in and Carlos Alcaraz’s finish punished Rovers, who had Callum Brittain sent off after two yellow cards.

Alcaraz also missed a penalty for the hosts but they secured a fifth straight home win for the first time since 2014 and continued their best streak for 39 years.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the match, Martin said: "I hope they enjoyed it, the atmosphere was brilliant at the end.

"It was a really good performance even against 11. Blackburn were a very good team when I watched them. 

"To turn it into that game was down to the lads, we hunted the ball back relentlessly. We didn't let them get into a flow. 

"I worked with Callum Brittain at MK Dons and he is a really good player but you have to make the most of that when he gets sent off."

Martin continued: "The lads were relentless and we should have scored more earlier than we did but I am pleased for the players as they got what their mentality deserved.

"Coventry City got a point at Leeds United and it shows how difficult this league is and puts into perspective the point we got on Wednesday." 

Saints had to wait until midway through the second half before the floodgates would open, despite displaying total domination up to that point. 

It was a third successive match where Southampton's opponents were happy to sit deep with 10 men behind the ball and look to frustrate the promotion contenders. 

The boss added: "We should have scored before Edozie's goal but Gavin Bazunu did well to smother a chance they had at the other end. 

"Sammy was brilliant today. It was not a goal you expect him to score but it helped us because it unlocked it for us. 

"It was about preventing counterattacks and risking the ball in the right area, winning it back quickly.

"However, I am convinced it was not Blackburn's game plan to come here and sit like that having watched them on the road. 

"It was because of the intensity of our team so I am really proud of them and don't take that for granted. We are going to have to be patient at times. 

"We didn't look bored or impatient and we attacked when it was right, moving the ball quickly."