SouthamptonSouthampton6Aston VillaAston Villa1
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Southampton v Aston Villa
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- Southampton: Gazzaniga, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Steven Davis, Wanyama, Long, Ward-Prowse, Mane, Pelle.
- Aston Villa: Given, Bacuna, Okore, Vlaar, Hutton, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia, Benteke, Grealish.
Match Stats
Home TeamSouthamptonAway TeamAston Villa
- Possession
- Home36%
- Away64%
- Shots
- Home18
- Away9
- Shots on Target
- Home11
- Away4
- Corners
- Home6
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home19
- Away7
Line-ups
Southampton
Formation 4-2-3-1
25Gazzaniga
2Clyne6José Fonte17Alderweireld21Bertrand
12Wanyama8Davis
7Long16Ward-Prowse10Mané
19Pellè
- 25Gazzaniga
- 2Clyne
- 6José Fonte
- 17Alderweireld
- 21Bertrand
- 12WanyamaBooked at 69mins
- 8DavisSubstituted forYoshidaat 72'minutes
- 7Long
- 16Ward-ProwseSubstituted forDjuricicat 80'minutes
- 10Mané
- 19PellèSubstituted forEliaat 85'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Davis
- 3Yoshida
- 5Gardos
- 15Djuricic
- 22Elia
- 28Reed
- 33Targett
Aston Villa
Formation 4-3-3
31Given
7Bacuna5Okore4Vlaar21Hutton
8Cleverley15Westwood16Delph
28N'Zogbia20Benteke40Grealish
- 31Given
- 7BacunaSubstituted forLowtonat 67'minutes
- 5Okore
- 4Vlaar
- 21Hutton
- 8Cleverley
- 15WestwoodBooked at 21mins
- 16Delph
- 28N'ZogbiaSubstituted forAgbonlahorat 57'minutes
- 20Benteke
- 40GrealishSubstituted forSinclairat 82'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Guzan
- 9Sinclair
- 10Weimann
- 11Agbonlahor
- 14Senderos
- 24C Sánchez
- 34Lowton
- Referee:
- Robert Madley
- Attendance:
- 31,636
Scores
Filter by section. Currently selected: Premier League
Saturday 16th May 2015
As It Stood
Filter by section. Currently selected: Premier League
Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chelsea | 36 | 25 | 9 | 2 | 70 | 28 | 42 | 84 | ||
2 | Man City | 36 | 22 | 7 | 7 | 77 | 36 | 41 | 73 | ||
3 | Arsenal | 35 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 66 | 34 | 32 | 70 | ||
4 | Man Utd | 36 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 61 | 36 | 25 | 68 | ||
5 | Liverpool | 37 | 18 | 8 | 11 | 51 | 42 | 9 | 62 | ||
6 | Tottenham | 37 | 18 | 7 | 12 | 57 | 53 | 4 | 61 | ||
7 | Southampton | 37 | 18 | 6 | 13 | 54 | 31 | 23 | 60 | ||
8 | Swansea | 36 | 16 | 8 | 12 | 44 | 44 | 0 | 56 | ||
9 | Stoke | 37 | 14 | 9 | 14 | 42 | 44 | -2 | 51 | ||
10 | Everton | 37 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 48 | 49 | -1 | 47 | ||
11 | West Ham | 37 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 44 | 45 | -1 | 47 | ||
12 | Crystal Palace | 37 | 12 | 9 | 16 | 46 | 51 | -5 | 45 | ||
13 | West Brom | 36 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 34 | 47 | -13 | 41 | ||
14 | Leicester | 37 | 10 | 8 | 19 | 41 | 54 | -13 | 38 | ||
15 | Aston Villa | 37 | 10 | 8 | 19 | 31 | 56 | -25 | 38 | ||
16 | Sunderland | 36 | 7 | 16 | 13 | 30 | 50 | -20 | 37 | ||
17 | Newcastle | 37 | 9 | 9 | 19 | 38 | 63 | -25 | 36 | ||
18 | Hull | 37 | 8 | 10 | 19 | 33 | 51 | -18 | 34 | ||
19 | Burnley | 37 | 6 | 12 | 19 | 27 | 53 | -26 | 30 | ||
20 | QPR | 37 | 8 | 6 | 23 | 41 | 68 | -27 | 30 |
Live Reporting
Shamoon Hafez
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostGoodbye
And there we have it, Southampton put in a stunning performance to leave Aston Villa shellshocked. Have a read of Nabil Hassan's match report from St Mary's.
See you soon.
Manager reaction
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood: "It was unrecognisable from the team we had but credit to Southampton for punishing us for our mistakes, and there were a few.
"The defenders don't need to be told, the whole team are in it. I take responsibility for that. That is one bad 45 minutes since I have been at the club. As much as we feel sorry for the fans, it was not a bad turnaround.
"We have to win a game and then a Cup final, there is no point in me stripping paint off them. Any idiot knows we didn't play well, they don't need telling.
"If we beat Burnley next week, it is in our own hands and we will be safe. The Cup final is not even in our minds at the moment, because we are not safe yet."
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Still waiting to hear from Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood. He may have locked his team inside the dressing room to give them a stern talking to.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
The Southampton players are back on the pitch with wives, girlfriends and children. They perform a lap of honour in front of the crowd, as they are playing at home for the last time this season.
Manager reaction
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "I didn't expect that first half. We played fantastic football and had good movement and players running in to space. It was strange to see the opponents playing one line and we punished them for the space they gave.
"The goals were great and it is hard to keep concentration in the second half but the victory was well-deserved.
"It was incredible from Sadio Mane. A player like him, to get that kind of space, he will punish you. The whole team did a good job and I am proud.
Player reaction
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Hat-trick scorer Sadio Mane: "Really? It is the fastest Premier League hat-trick? The most important thing today is the victory.
"We have a chance to finish in the Europa League spots. We will try to win the next game against Manchester City and why not win it?
"We have a great team and last week was not easy but we have to work hard every game."
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Match of the Day commentator Simon Brotherton describes Aston Villa's performance as "wretched". Never has an adjective been so apt. They will be up there in the running order on BBC One tonight.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
It will be interesting to hear Tim Sherwood's thoughts after this defeat. He is going to be seething.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Sadio Mane waves to the crowd and takes home the match ball. Well deserved.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"It's nothing to do with Tim Sherwood what's happened today. He's set his team out and been very professional, but the players just haven't put in the performance.
"It's an awkward situation with the FA Cup final around the corner and their survival on the line still. Everyone of them in that dressing room will be looking on nervously at the result at Hull."
FULL-TIME
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
That's it. Southampton run out comprehensive winners.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Gabriel Agbonlahor spins at the edge of the area, makes his way into the box and drives a low shot towards goals, which is stopped well by Paulo Gazzaniga. He was had a brilliant game.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
..but Fabian Delph's ball into the box is awful. He was given a new contract earlier this season, they should cancel it after that delivery. It was terrible.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
One more chance for Aston Villa...
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Kelvin: Somebody find #shaygiven cuz it's open goal at St Mary Stadium.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Alan Hutton on the right-hand side played a good one-two and an intelligent cross, but Gabriel Agbonlahor was very unlucky there, he found the keeper who made a great block."
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Surely a second for Aston Villa? Alan Hutton works an opening to find Gabriel Agbonlahor, who hits it low and firmly towards goals, but it is kept out well by Paulo Gazzaniga. Should have scored. Three more minutes to play, three more minutes for Aston Villa to suffer..
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Not yet, as the try to work the ball into the back of the net, but surrender possession. The 'oles' are out from the home supporters.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Eljero Elia earns a corner, as his pace gives Alan Hutton a headache. Can they get another?
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Southampton's structure and what they do as a club really does sum up football. It's made to look hard by some and easy by others. The one word that sums it all up is recruitment. They've picked up players cleverly through a worldwide scouting network and they've also produced their own."
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Tricks coming out from Sadio Mane now, lollipopping over the ball. Aston Villa have not got near him today.
SUBSTITUTION
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
No Pelle, no party. Graziano has had a wonderful game, capped by a superb goal. He comes off to be replaced by Dutchman Eljero Elia, who has five minutes to get on the scoresheet.
Post update
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa
Fifth-placed Liverpool will be looking over their shoulder, as Southampton are just two points behind now.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"One of my favourite goals of the season. Sadio Mane plays the best one-two I've seen all season. That's simplistic genius. Beautiful goal and Villa getting absolutely hammered."
GOAL
Southampton 6-1 Aston Villa - Graziano Pelle
Sorry, I said the game was petering out..
Not a bit of it. Beautiful play from Saido Mane, who plays a one-two before whipping the ball into the box and Graziano Pelle volleys in a first-time finish. Lovely stuff. Sumptuous.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Into the last 10 minutes, this game is petering out now. A party atmosphere in the St Mary's stands, with a fancy-dress conga jumping around.
SUBSTITUTION
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Another change for Aston Villa.
James Ward-Prowse has done excellently today and deserves a pat on the back, as he is replaced by on-loan Filip Djuricic.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
This Southampton side really do work very hard, helping out each other. Aston Villa had a glimmer of another goal, but the home side defend in numbers to keep it out.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Isn't it wonderful to see someone brimming with confidence? Sadio Mane has been full of running all afternoon and he must feel on top of the world after that hat-trick."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Oh Nathaniel! Full-back Clyne blazes into the stand after finding the ball at his feet inside the area. A glorious chance missed by the England man. Will he still be at the club next season?
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Nearly a dream substitution from Southampton, as Maya Yoshida's powerful header is saved on the line by Shay Given. Where was the marking?
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne makes a run into the opposing penalty area and forages a chance for Graziano Pelle, and it is blocked for a corner.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Even now at 5-1 up, Shane Long and Sadio Mane, the left and right sides of Southampton's attack are still tracking back and working hard for their team-mates every time they lose the ball."
SUBSTITUTION
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Southampton make their first change.
Former Aston Villa man Steven Davis gets a warm round of applause as he comes off to be replaced by Japanese defender Maya Yoshida. A quick reshuffle in the side.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Bit quiet now. Southampton happy with their lead, while Aston Villa attempt to reduce the deficit.
YELLOW CARD
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Booking for Southampton's Victor Wanyama, for bringing down Fabian Delph in the middle of the park. His 12th yellow of the season. Puts himself about a bit.
SUBSTITUTION
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Another substitution for Aston Villa.
Leandro Bacuna comes off and Matthew Lowton comes on. A full-back. Time to change the game, son. Good luck.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
A chance for Aston Villa on the left. The free-kick is floated in by Jack Grealish - who has been quiet today - but is punched away by Southampton stopper Paulo Gazzaniga. Impressive keeping.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Every player that Southampton have lost, they've bought in someone slightly better this season so Ronald Koeman deserves a tremendous amount of credit for what's he's done since taking charge."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
It is unsure where defender Toby Alderweireld - on-loan from Atletico Madrid - will be playing next season, but Ronald Koeman will be doing his utmost to keep him at the club next season, a very impressive performer for the Saints.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Toby Alderweireld runs in on that header and he just looks like he's got more purpose about what he's doing. You've got to want to make things happen and that's been the difference today."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Nearly the third for Shane Long. Fellow strike partner Graziano Pelle works hard to win the ball back before launching it high into area, but Long can't get enough on the volley and it runs wide of goal. Still plenty of time to complete his treble.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Ooh, beauty of a ball into the box from the impressive James Ward-Prowse. It's flicked on by Toby Alderweireld but pushed away by Shay Given. The ball was creeping in, you know. Turns out to be a good stop.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Southampton are in well-regimented lines every time they lose the ball and have to defend. It's only Graziano Pelle who is in Villa's half. It's like a bow and arrow. Every time you fire an arrow, you have to reload as quickly as possible otherwise you're going to be in trouble."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Alan Hutton tries to curl one into the top corner from the edge of the box..
..but gets it horribly wrong, finding row Z. Not good!
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Sadio Mane has taken your fastest Premier League record, Robbie.
SUBSTITUTION
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Charles N'Zogbia is hooked and is replaced by Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Manager Tim Sherwood is allowed only three changes, but he if could make 11, he would!
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Ronald Koeman sits on the Southampton bench next to his brother Erwin. The duo have done a marvellous job at St Mary's this season. Most successful footballing siblings since Gary and Phil Neville?
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Even at the back, Southampton are fighting, trying to give nothing away. They are not taking this lightly, even though they have a four goal advantage. Jose Fonte crunches into a tackle which is warmly applauded by the fans.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"This is bizarre, some of the things I've seen today. I've never seen the likes of Ron Vlaar perform like they have today. There's rumours of bigger clubs coming in for him, but not on today's performance."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Southampton are sniffing and it won't be surprising if they get more goals here. Remember, Shane Long is on a hat-trick..
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Peerpresha: Dropped my pen at 0-0, picked it up 1-0, sat up 2-0, rubbed my eyes 3-0, widened eyes 4-0, dropped jaw 5-0, left the room 5-1.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
A hairy moment for Shay Given, as he decides to come for a cross for the first time in his career, which he makes a hash of, nearly gifting another goal. Should have stayed at home.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Brilliantly whipped in corner by youngster James Ward-Prowse, which is flicked away for another, but it comes to nothing.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Corner for Southampton, and there is some wrestling going on in the box, with illegal tactics being used to stop Sadio Mane. Well, they have to do something.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Free-kick in an inviting position for Aston Villa and is it swung in by Charles N'Zogbia..
..but a poor, poor delivery. They won't get back into the game with crosses like that.
KICK-OFF
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Oh, Aston Villa have come back. They kick off in the second half. How many more goals will we see?
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Love it! Southampton fan Craig David (yes, THE Craig David) has tweeted: My mum got this birthday gift right!
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
The big question is, will Aston Villa return for the second half? Can they just tell the referee, 'We don't want to play any more' and go home?
Text us on 81111
Dan, London: Good work Southampton. Good to put this "Sherwood is a genius" utter nonsense to bed.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"I've literally in my life never seen anything quite as bizarre as the hat-trick and there was a goal disallowed before that. As a manager, I absolutely feel for Tim Sherwood.
"All his preparation would've gone in minutes. Jack Grealish, who has had all the plaudits recently, has had an absolute shocker where he has played a ball blindly to someone in a Southampton shirt and that's led to a goal. It just shows the inexperience."
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
What is this doing to Aston Villa's confidence? They don't want to go into the FA Cup final against Arsenal playing like this, it will be an embarrassment for Tim Sherwood and his side. They have one more game in the Premier League after this against Burnley to get it right.
It could prove to be a crucial game as Villa are not safe just yet...
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Blackburn Lad: Sadio Mane writes himself into Premier League history. Well done that man.
Ben Dalton: Villa getting hammered should be motivation for #NUFC to really show up today & blow away a poor #QPR side. But it won't be.
The Mane man
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Southampton's Sadio Mane - with the newly held title of fastest Premier League hat-trick scorer - has been everywhere, as this touchmap shows. He has even found time to help out his defensive colleagues.
Post update
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
Have you ever seen anything like that? St Mary's is shellshocked, as is the rest of the country. So this is why they say the Premier League is the most entertaining league in the world?
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"What a game! Everything that's near the net today is going in. Brilliant header and boy did they need that, Villa, but is it too late?"
HALF-TIME
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa
What a half of football, incredible stuff.
GOAL
Southampton 5-1 Aston Villa - Christian Benteke
The comeback is on!! Surely not, surely they can't do it, can they? Leandro Bacuna whips a beauty of a ball into the box, and striker Christian Benteke leaps highest to plant a header into the net. Great power in that.
Post update
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
Shane Long through on goal, but Fabian Delph is helping out at the back to clear the ball for a corner, which comes to nothing. Three added minutes for Aston Villa to suffer.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Football today is numbers. You have to get defensive numbers back. You cannot leave three up front away from home and that simple fact has been totally overlooked by Aston Villa at the moment and Tim Sherwood is going to be absolutely furious at half-time."
Post update
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
Southampton are not backing off here, they want more goals. Graziano Pelle has a shot blocked inside the box. Can they double their score in the second half?
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager at BBC Radio 5 live
"Unbelievable. Shane Long looked disinterested and then he just picked the player's pocket before bending in the most spectacular, fantastic shot in to the top corner."
Post update
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
Alan Huttonnnnn! Nope, a pot-shot from way out dribbles into the arms of Paulo Gazzaniga. Ironic cheers from the Southampton fans.
Post update
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
The good news for Aston Villa is that there is only four minutes play to half time.
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
Stevey Gee Sings!: Will Villa get back in this game? It's a Long shot and the Mane problem is they are 5-0 down already...
Post update
Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport at St Mary's Stadium
What on earth is going? "It's flown in like a missile," former Southampton manager Dave Merrington tells BBC Radio Solent, and he is not wrong. What a brilliant strike from Long and what a brilliant performance this is from Southampton.
Post update
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has his head in his hands, more fans walk out of the stadium.
GOAL
Southampton 5-0 Aston Villa - Shane Long
OH
MY
WORD
This is absolute stunning from Shane Long. Aston Villa give the ball away again, but what a finish. He picks the ball up around 30 yards out from goal...and lets fly! The ball sets off and everyone watches with mouths open, as it plonks into the top corner of the net.
Nothing Shay Given can do about that. Just a simply, superb strike.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"If you could give the old NFL-style time out signal right now. Tim Sherwood would be out there. I had one of these days earlier in the season with Millwall where we fell 2-0 down against Norwich early on and it can be horrible to try and stop."
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
What are Southampton playing at? They need to get their act together. They've not scored for over 10 minutes now.
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
Confidence seeping through the Southampton side as Paulo Gazzaniga rushes to the edge of his area to collect a high ball with ease, he gave a big shout as he came out there, superb goalkeeping taking the pressure off his defenders.
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Charlie Smith: Tim Sherwood does not do defence. It can be a great strength but when exposed it can also be the most heinous of weaknesses.
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
Shane Long and Graziano Pelle are causing the Aston Villa backline problem after problem, they just cannot cope with Pelle's power and Long's pace. Tim Sherwood is back in his chair with a resigned look on his face. Like his club's supporters, he will want to leave St Mary's as quickly as possible after this showing.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"The discipline in Southampton's lines has been immense, but it's been like that all season. They've kept their shape tremendously well. This could be a cricket score the way things are going with Southampton's confidence. Tim Sherwood has got to get his full-backs to tuck in more."
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is out of his seat, patrolling the touchline but there's nothing he can do at the moment. Southampton go forward again, but Graziano Pelle's shot is blocked well by Jores Okore.
Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Simon Holman: Mane Mane Mane must be funny, in Southampton's world.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"This is unbelievable. There's an apathy about Villa, they are not doing their jobs. The midfielders are tracking to their men, they have got to try to regain their composure. This is a disaster for Villa at the moment, this could be shattering for them. They only need one more win. But in the Premier League that's huge and then there's the FA Cup Final for them to think about."
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa need to salvage some pride in this match because this has been a shocker of a performance so far. What can Tim Sherwood's side do now?
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"A little lad asked me for a photograph before the game, and I asked him who his favourite player was, and he said 'Mane'. I can see why now."
Post update
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa
Unbelievable! Aston Villa fans already walking out of the stadium, but who can blame them?! They have been destroyed so far. A complete shambles at the back.
GOAL
Southampton 4-0 Aston Villa - Shane Long
And there is number four.
Another easy one for Southampton, who have had their stroke of fortune today. Graziano Pelle's effort is saved by Shay Given, but the ball falls into the path of Shane Long, who passes it into the back of the net. A rout already!
Post update
Southampton 3-0 Aston Villa
Southampton continue to pile forward and they could easily get six or seven here today. The crowd at St Mary's are almost silent, they are stunned, they can't believe what they are seeing from their side.
Post update
Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport at St Mary's Stadium
"Absolute bedlam here at St Mary's and an absolute privilege to witness Sadio Mane's two minute 56 second hat trick. Aston Villa are in disarray here, they are a shambles. I just can't believe it," former Southampton manager Dave Merrington tells BBC Radio Solent."
Post update
Southampton 3-0 Aston Villa
Fastest Premier League hat-trick ever from Sadio Mane, timed at two minutes and 56 seconds.
Post update
Ian Holloway
Ex-Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live
"Mane's pace was electric. I am astounded at his pace and strength. I am shellshocked by Villa, this is unbelievable, I have to pinch myself! What is going on? Villa have been in pretty good form of late."
Post update
Southampton 3-0 Aston Villa
Holes everywhere in the Aston Villa defence, the confidence has gone completely. Chance for James Ward-Prowse as he ghosts forward unchallenged but his short is straight at Shay Given.
GOAL
Southampton 3-0 Aston Villa - Sadio Mane
GOALLLLLLL!!!!!!! INCREDIBLE SCENES! And it's Sadio Mane AGAIN!
Robbie Fowler's hat-trick all those years ago against Arsenal was quick, this one is quicker and the third is a beauty. He is picked out at the edge of the box, and slots in a superb first-time effort into the top corner of the net.
This is crazy, this is madness. Absolute carnage at St Mary's.
GOAL
Southampton 2-0 Aston Villa - Sadio Mane
Wow! Shocking defending from Aston Villa, architects of their own downfall. It's that man Sadio Mane again, nipping in after Ron Vlaar's backpass falls short of Shay Given, and Mane pops the ball into an open net.
84 seconds between the two goals.
GOAL
Southampton 1-0 Aston Villa - Sadio Mane
Chance at one end, goal at the other...
A big punt up field and Graziano Pelle flicks the ball on. Winger Sadio Mane is quickest on to it and needs some luck, as the ball ricochets back off Shay Given, giving him an open goal. He can't miss!
Post update
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Big chance for Aston Villa...
You have to do better Christian Benteke. The Belgian is played in with only Paulo Gazzaniga to beat, but his outside-of-the-foot finish goes wide. Had to put his left peg through it!
Post update
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Big chance for Southampton...
Left-back Ryan Bertrand plays through striker Graziano Pelle on the left-edge, the Italian makes his way into the box but the finish this time is weak, as goalkeeper Shay Given is able to push the ball away easily. Poor finish.
Post update
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa are showing intent by moving the ball quickly upfield, but the home side are coping well with the threat of Christian Benteke and Tom Cleverley.
Koeman on social media
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Manager Ronald Koeman will be tweeting about that later..
DISALLOWED GOAL
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Southampton have the ball in the back of the net!!
Striker Graziano Pelle goes through and strokes in a neat finish, but the assistant has his flag up for offiside.
Terrible decision, the Italian is clearly on but the liner gets him confused with the man running out. Home fans aggrieved.
Post update
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Southampton make a foray upfield for the first time in the match and Shane Long's pace is causing problems. Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has to bring him down...
Belgian battle
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport at St Mary's Stadium
"One of many intriguing battles today sees two Belgian compatriots come up against each other. When Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld was asked about facing Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke today he told BBC Sport: "It's going to be a tough game for both of us." One to keep an eye on."
Post update
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
A bit of a shaky start from Southampton at the back as Toby Alderweireld gives the ball away, but his fellow team-mates at the back come to his rescue and are able to get the ball away.
Kick-off
Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa
Huddles, check.
Pats on the back, check.
Off we go! Southampton get us under way at a sun-soaked St Mary's Stadium.
Line-ups
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
Southampton: Gazzaniga, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Steven Davis, Wanyama, Long, Ward-Prowse, Mane, Pelle.
Substitutes: Kelvin Davis, Yoshida, Gardos, Djuricic, Elia, Reed, Targett.
Aston Villa: Given, Bacuna, Okore, Vlaar, Hutton, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia, Benteke, Grealish.
Substitutes: Guzan, Sinclair, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Senderos, Sanchez, Lowton.
Referee: Robert Madley
Listen live
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
BBC Radio 5 live
This lunchtime's clash at St Mary's is live on BBC Radio 5 live.
Click the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page where former Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway will be summarising in the commentary box.
You can get involved and have your say on social media @5liveSport or text 85058.
Post update
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport at St Mary's Stadium
"It is a glorious day on the south coast for today's early kick off with both teams having very different agendas at St Mary's.
"Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has used his programme notes to urge players and punters alike for one final push in the race for European football.
"Aston Villa are in decent form and Tim Sherwood's men were out very early warming up and going through various drills. They look focused and ready for their attempt to beat relegation."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball & 81111
So, how will these two sides get on today? Who do they need to bring in next season?
Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.
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Team news
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
Two changes for Southampton today with midfielder James Ward-Prowse and striker Shane Long replacing midfield pairing Harrison Reed and Eljero Elia from the 2-0 defeat against Leicester City last Saturday.
Aston Villa make one change from the 1-0 win against West Ham last weekend as defender Alan Hutton replaces Kieran Richardson.
Defying the odds
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
Welcome to live text commentary of Southampton and Aston Villa. Both of these sides have (almost) defied the odds and completed the task of staying in the Premier League this season.
Southampton were predicted to go back into the Championship after losing the likes of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert, but are now on the verge of a well-deserved European place.
Aston Villa - four points above the trapdoor with two games to play - have had their fortunes transformed since the arrival of charismatic manager Tim Sherwood.
Did I say two games? They've got an FA Cup final to look forward to as well!
Saints and Villans
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45 BST)
They said Southampton would get relegated come May..
They said the same about Aston Villa..