Joe saves the day for Russ after a sub-lime double
RUSSELL MARTIN hailed super-sub matchwinner Joe Rothwell after his two late goals kept Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes alive.
Saints saw a comfortable lead given to them through Stuart and Adam Armstrong disappear after a first Sunderland goal from Romaine Mundle and a super strike from Jobe Bellingham.
But for the second time in a month Rothwell, on loan from Bournemouth, grabbed a double to help turn a match.
Martin said: “My feeling was the game was there for us if we stayed brave.
“The subs had a real impact, and Rothers takes his two goals brilliantly. He’s an amazing finisher.
“It was massive for us to get this win ahead of a long time without a game and the international break.”
After only nine minutes, Bellingham fluffed a clearing header, and though Anthony Patterson saved from Jan Bednarek, Stuart Armstrong rammed in the rebound.
Adam Armstrong fired over and Seelt did well to block Che Adams’ effort. But Southampton put themselves in control after 37 minutes.
From Stuart Armstrong’s pass Ryan Manning was upended by Chris Rigg.
Stuart Attwell gave the penalty, and former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong fired home before milking it in front of the Sunderland fans.
But in the 62nd minute the visitors gained an unlikely foothold. Former Spurs youngster Mundle’s shot took a deflection off Jack Stephens before going in off the post.
And Sunderland then levelled with a wonderful strike from Bellingham.
However, Saints regained the lead in the 77th minute as Adam Armstrong’s cross was only half-cleared by Leo Hjelde and Rothwell finished.
The midfielder was in the right place once again three minutes later to seal the win.
Sunderland caretaker boss Mike Dodds said: “The four goals were all avoidable. It’s frustrating”
SOUTHAMPTON: Bazunu 6; Harwoodbellis 6, Stephens 6 (Bree (73) 6), Bednarek 7, Manning 7; Smallbone 7 (Aribo (58) 6), Downes 7, S Armstrong 7 (Rothwell (73) 8); Brooks 6 (Sulemana (58) 6), Adams 6 (Mara (84) 6), A Armstrong 8 SUNDERLAND: Patterson 6; Hume 5, Seelt 5, Ballard 6 (Styles (71) 6), Hjelde 5; Neil 5; Rigg 4 (Aouchiche (57) 7), Ba 5, Mundle 6 (Ekwah (88) 6), Bellingham 6; Burstow 5 (Rusyn (57) 7) STAR MAN: Joe Rothwell – Huge impact and vital goals for his team after coming on as a substitute. REF: Stuart Attwell 6