Azaz sends Southampton into play-off spots
Finn Azaz's first-half finish proved the difference as Southampton surged into the Championship play-off spots with a 1-0 win over Norwich City.
Tonda Eckert's side extended to 11 games unbeaten after a crucial home victory saw it leapfrog Wrexham and claim sixth in the table, just three points behind fifth-placed Hull City.
Anis Slimane forced a smart early save from Daniel Peretz, but Southampton – who had just seen a Samuel Edozie finish ruled out for offside – hit the front after 25 minutes when Azaz stormed onto Cyle Larin's pass from James Bree's throw-in and finished with aplomb.
Mathias Kvistgaarden then mistimed a diving header in response before Larin and Slimane saw chances smothered at either end during the start of the second half.
Kenny McLean concerned Southampton with a dipping strike before Peretz atoned for an error, brilliantly denying Kellen Fisher's attempt.
Although it was forced to hold on at the end, substitute Shea Charles forced an eye-catching stop on the break from Vladan Kovacevic as Southampton clinched a pivotal three points in the top-six race.
The Canaries may have always feared Azaz, who now has five goal involvements in his last seven league appearances against Norwich (four goals, one assist).
Southampton's home record, meanwhile, has it dreaming of a play-off pursuit. It has lost only one of its 12 home league games under Eckert (W8 D3), winning four of its last five matches.
Hull City is the only side to defeat Eckert at St. Mary's, winning 2-1 in January, while only Ipswich Town (0) has lost fewer home games in the Championship since Eckert took charge.
