The mood amongst Saints supporters was not one of confidence after the line up was announced, but by the end of the game they were applauding a Southampton performance that was reminiscent of Tonda Eckert's early games in charge.

The big news ahead of the game was the omission of Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer from the squad, both have been linked with a move away, so it was no surprise.

Tonda Eckert claimed that Armstrong has been injured in training on Friday, but few believed him, the rumours out of St Mary's seemed to suggest that the club's leading scorer was part of the alleged clique in the dressing room affecting team spirit and Saints despite his goals seem happy for him to depart.

What we did see though was an all round performance from the team and indeed all that played, that seemed to have a spirit not seen since Tonda Eckert's early days in charge.

If you are looking for clue's in recent games Adam Armstrong has come in for some criticism for not getting back onside quick enough after an attack breaks down and that when we regain the ball he is often still in an offside position and therefore not an option.

Today there was none of that, the attacking players worked hard not only going forward but getting back behind the ball when we didn't have possession.

This is suggesting that there is a split or at least was a split in the dressing room, but as shown by this performance that is well on the way to being settled.

Once again we saw a passing performance last seen in early December, we looked tight, yes we had a couple of iffy moments, Daniel Peretz slipping up and later flapping at a cross, but in the main he looked a lot better than his early games, one tremendous save and another where a slight fingertip, meant the ball came back off the inside of the post and not in the net.

The pleasing thing though was the fact that our defence was alert to the ball back in play and dealt with it, a few weeks ago they would have been standing and watching it being tapped into the net.

Stoke were physical, at every corner and dead ball situation they were pulling at shirts etc, we could have had at least three penalties for blatant shirt pulling, if there had been VAR we would have won 4-0, but the ref and linesman seemed blind to it, two of the offences came in the same incident the referee spotted neither.

The first goal was a great well worked team effort that saw Tom Fellows fed the ball and put in a great cross that was fired home by Finn Azaz, the second early in the second half had a hint of luck, Flynn Downes initially standing on the ball and then flicking it home as he sat on the ground.

From then on we never truly looked like losing the game, Stoke were a master of the dark arts, pulling and tugging shirts, niggly fouls, but they couldn't stop us and when they knocked us down we were up and at them within seconds to stop them taking advantage of a situation.

This was truly a squad effort, there was not a man out there who you could point a finger at and say they shirked a single second, the 4 man defence was superb, James Bree did the basics, Taylor Harwood-Bellis never gave less that 100% despite transfer rumours, Jack Stephens had perhaps one of his best games for the club and at left back Welington was superb, he barely lost a challenge whether it was on the floor or in the air where he seems to win every header.

The midfield put in a shift Caspar Jander & Flynn Downes were superb and flanked by Tom Fellows & Leo Scienza who were a constant threat.

Just in front of them Finn Azaz who pulled a lot of the strings and he too had perhaps his best game in a Southampton shirt.

Ross Stewart looked off the pace at times, but he kept on working and therefore turned what could have been a less than average game into a good one.

The substitutions came at the right moment, rested tired legs and gave us fresh ones,
Nick Oyekunle never really got into the game, but he too worked hard, and Matsuki played a big part in his 25 mins or so on the pitch, Leo Scienza departing had those watching apprehensive, he seemed to be a part of everything, but nothing changed.

Shea Charles is not yet match sharp, but will be a real boost now he is back.

Ryan Manning only had 4 mins of injury time to do his bit but he did what was needed.

Naming a man of the match isn't easy, this was truly a squad performance let alone a team one, but Sky gave it to Finn Azaz and I would not argue with that, although Flynn Downes and Leo Scienza were close seconds, especially Downes who dug in and made sure that Stoke didn't get a chance to play and get back in the game.

All in all a great performance against a difficult team to score against let alone play, it bodes well for the rest of the season.

How this season ends is yet to be decided, but if we keep putting in performances like this then even if it doesn't end with a play off spot, it will give us great hope for next season.

But one thing is for sure if we lose two strikers we need to bring at least one in during the next 48 hours or so.

Without getting too carried away, this was not only pleasing to watch, but if made me actually look forward to next week's home game against Watford and indeed the two against Leicester.

Football should be about enjoyment, not constantly spending games ranting, this game was one that brought the enjoyment back.

All Photos Via Reuters