Southampton recorded their biggest ever Premier League win to humiliate Sunderland 8-0 this afternoon.

Santiago Vergini's bizarre own goal set the tone for the match, with Graziano Pelle and Jack Cork goals effectively ending the contest before the break.

Pelle added a fifth after Liam Bridcutt had turned into his own net, while Dusan Tadic, Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane all got in on the rout late on.

Here, Sports Mole take a look of the individual performances of those involved.

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Goal

Fraser Forster: Rarely called into action today, though did have to be alert to stop Fletcher at 2-0. Faced just one shot on target all afternoon. (6/10)

Defence

Nathaniel Clyne: A constant menace down the Saints right, the recently called-up England full-back clearly has a bright future. Full of running, even at 8-0. (7/10)

Ryan Bertrand: Obviously benefitting from regular football, the Chelsea loanee was excellent when charging down the left. Often involved in Southampton's brightest moves. (7/10)

Toby Alderweireld: Another solid display from the Belgian centre-back, who was rarely called on during an extremely easy second half. (7/10)

Jose Fonte: Much like his defensive partner, anything he was required to do before half-time he did comfortably. Assured performance from the skipper. (7/10)

Midfield

Jack Cork: Put the game beyond doubt by scoring the third goal at the back post late in the first half. Showed again why he is back in favour under Ronald Koeman. (7/10)

Steven Davis: Instrumental during the first hour before being subbed once the game was won. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself after going close with a volley. (8/10)

Morgan Schneiderlin: At ease in the centre of the midfield, the Frenchman would easily slot into a top four side in the Premier League. If he isn't in one already, of course. (8/10)

Attack

Shane Long: Would have liked to have opened his account on a day in which his side scored eight. Looks like the odd one out in this Southampton side. (6/10)

Graziano Pelle: Two great finishes from the Italian striker, who is unlucky not to have a hat-trick after another effort was knocked into his own net by Bridcutt. (8/10)

Dusan Tadic: One goal and four assists from seven of the goals actually scored by Southampton players. Another brilliant day at the office for the special Serbian. (9/10)

Substitutes

Victor Wanyama: The first of two goalscoring subs for the Saints, the midfielder powered home excellently after great footwork from Tadic. (7/10)

Sadio Mane: Bagged his first goal for the club with a powerful strike from inside the box as Sunderland prayed for it to all be over. (7/10)

Emmanuel Mayuka: Replaced Pelle with ten minutes remaining but could not get in on the act. (5/10)

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Goal

Vito Mannone: Could have saved Cork's goal, as well as hold on to the shot which Bridcutt skewed in. Then presented Tadic with the ball to add his name to the scoresheet. Woeful. (2/10)

Defence

Wes Brown: Anonymous during the first half as he failed to get anywhere near the Southampton strikers. Hooked at the break. (4/10)

Santiago Vergini: Scorer of one of the strangest, yet brilliant, own goals of all time. His volleyed strike started a slippery slope for his team, and they never recovered after his moment of madness. (3/10)

John O'Shea: A horrible way to cap what had been an excellent week, the Irishman struggled to halt anything Pelle or Tadic threw at him. (4/10)

Patrick Van Aanholt: Looked a shell of the player that has started the season so brightly. Was rarely able to get forward as the Saints attacked at will. (4/10)

Midfield

Lee Cattermole: Played one excellent through ball to Steven Fletcher which created a half-chance. Otherwise, completely overrun by Cork and Schneiderlin. (5/10)

Seb Larsson: Forced Forster into his only save of the day courtesy of a free kick. (5/10)

Jordi Gomez: Completely anonymous after an early free kick found Connor Wickham's head. Did nothing to justify being selected ahead of Jack Rodwell. (3/10)

Will Buckley: On this showing, the winger looks to be playing at a level too high for him. Another who should be dropped in favour of a better player. Adam Johnson awaits the call. (3/10)

Attack

Connor Wickham: Forced to do much defensive work as Bertrand and Clyne flew down the flanks. Booked for a dreadful clip on the right-back. (3/10)

Steven Fletcher: Extremely isolated up front. Wasted the one half chance that came his way because of a poor touch, then claimed a penalty once the ball had gone. (4/10)

Substitutes

Liam Bridcutt: Scored an own goal when he struggled to get the ball out of his feet following a Pelle shot. Brought on at half time, but failed to stem the tide. (4/10)

Adam Johnson: Brought on at 3-0, but quickly saw his side trail by four and then five. Soon became a thankless task. (4/10)

Jack Rodwell: As above, the midfielder was introduced during a double change which failed to make any sort of difference. (4/10)

Written by
Joe McPhee