By Martin Rowe
Southampton slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Sunderland despite creating some good early chances.
Saints started brightly with early chances including a set piece from striker Rickie Lambert which went close.
But Sunderland were able to cope with the pressure taking the lead when Stephane Sessegnon had a mishit shot that fell kindly to Steve Fletcher who netted for the Black Cats.
That was the striker’s eighth goal for the club after moving from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer.
The Saints failed to create any real fight back with Jose Fonte’s header their only real threat in the second half.
This result leaves Southampton still outside the drop zone in the Barclay’s Premier League.