Goals either side of half time helped Southampton to a routine 2-0 win at home to relegation battlers Burnley this afternoon.

Shane Long swept home a Nathaniel Clyne cross midway through a hectic first half in which both team's goalkeepers were frequently called into action.

After the break, the Saints started well and doubled their lead when Ryan Bertrand's cross cannoned in off of the unfortunate Jason Shackell.

The hosts kept their composure to see out the game, though a blemish to proceedings was an early injury to keeper Fraser Forster.

Here, Sports Mole rates and slates the players who were in the thick of the action.

Goal

Fraser Forster: Replaced on 14 minutes with suspected knee ligament damage. Having played every minute of the campaign up to that point, it will be a real blow to see his season end prematurely. (5/10)

Defence

Nathaniel Clyne: A threat down the right as he has been all season, it was his skewed cross-shot that led to the Saints opener. Rarely tested from a defensive point of view. (7/10)

Ryan Bertrand: Likewise the left back, whose excellent cross was put into his own net by Shackell. If anything, he was better than his compatriot on the other side and is equally as deserving of an England call on this form. (8/10)

Jose Fonte: A little shaky during the first half, with Burnley running at the Saints defence willingly. Dealt with things better after half time and was a threat at set pieces. (7/10)

Toby Alderweireld: Made one great challenge on Ings during the first half. Looked assured in the defence once more, following his lengthy injury layoff. (7/10)

Midfield

Steven Davis: Unlucky not to score with a brilliant looping header in the first half. Supported attacks well and kept things ticking in the middle. (7/10)

Morgan Schneiderlin: Sat deeper than Davis as usual, and was good in possession. Also keen to get forward but stuck to his main job very well. (7/10)

Dusan Tadic: Delivered two dangerous free kicks into the box before being hauled off at half time. Today, his flair and style did not suit Southampton's need to complete the job. (6/10)

Sadio Mane: Tried hard without really creating a meaningful chance or testing Heaton himself. Not his best day in a red and white striped shirt. (6/10)

Attack

Shane Long: Nice, instinctive finish to put his side a goal to the good, before a very effective second half working down the right hand side after a change in formation. (8/10)

Graziano Pelle: Reinstated to the lineup, the Italian got into some very good positions. However, as has been the case too often lately, his finishing left a lot to be desired. (6/10)

Substitutes

Kelvin Davis: Introduced early for Forster, the club captain was instrumental in keeping Burnley out before half time. Looked assured with crosses which were delivered often during the second period. (8/10)

Victor Wanyama: Replaced Tadic at half time to protect the lead and add some steal to the midfield. (6/10)

BURNLEY

Goal

Tom Heaton: Could do little about either goal, the keeper made a very neat diving save from Davis during the first half. (7/10)

Defence

Kieran Trippier: Put in some decent set-piece deliveries, but struggled to contain the rampaging Bertrand, who was willing to run at him all afternoon. (6/10)

Ben Mee: Similar to Trippier in that he had to deal with a pacey English full-back attacking him often. A tad lucky not to concede a penalty for a tackle on Long. (6/10)

Jason Shackell: The captain unluckily scored an own goal 10 minutes into the second half. He could do little about it, with the ball striking his outstretched knee and flying in. (6/10)

Michael Duff: Retained his place after a good showing against Manchester City, the centre back had some decent moments during some good battles with Pelle. (6/10)

Midfield

George Boyd: Unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty when he appeared to be tripped by Fonte. Showed some neat touches around the Saints penalty box. (7/10)

Scott Arfield: Keen to get involved in the box and made one great link up with Ings to create a chance. Tireless runner all afternoon. (6/10)

David Jones: Outclassed by Davis and Schneiderlin in the middle, the midfielder tried hard without producing too much quality. (6/10)

Ashley Barnes: Deployed on the left so that Vokes could remain up front. He was a constant threat in the air during the first period. (6/10)

Attack

Sam Vokes: Looking to regain sharpness after a long time out, the Wales striker had a header well saved by Davis during Burnley's best part of the match. (6/10)

Danny Ings: Unlucky not to score on two occasions, with Davis producing good stops to keep him out. Worked hard after the break but became frustrated and was subbed. (7/10)

Substitutes

Lukas Jutkiewicz: Did little during his 15 minutes on the field. (5/10)

Ross Wallace: Replaced Barnes for the final 10 minutes. (5/10)

Marvin Sordell: A cameo appearance for the tired-looking Ings. (5/10)

Written by
Joe McPhee