Southampton captain Jose Fonte has challenged his side to use their 4-0 victory over Arsenal as a platform from which to build a good run of form.

The Saints have plummeted down the table in recent weeks courtesy of a five-match winless streak, but they picked up their first three-point haul since November 7 with a memorable triumph over the Gunners at St Mary's this evening.

Fonte scored his side's third goal in the rout, and he believes that Southampton showed their true selves in brushing aside the Premier League title favourites.

"It was imperative that we had a reaction and today we showed passion and togetherness to change the bad run we were on. I'm very happy with our performance and the result," he told BT Sport.

"The plan before the game was to be ourselves - a hard-working team, quality up front and defending well as a team. We showed today we are still a very good team and from now it gives us good confidence to go on a good run."

The win leaves Southampton just six points off fifth-placed Crystal Palace, but still down in 12th in the Premier League table.