Saints had their Premier League status for next season confirmed last night when FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic were defeated 4-1 at Arsenal and relegated.
It brings an eight year stay in the top flight for the Latics to an end but ensures a second consecutive season of Premier League football at St Mary’s for Southampton with one match of the season left – this weekend’s visit of Stoke City.
Lukas Podolski headed Arsenal in front before Shaun Maloney eaqualised from a free-kick.
But Saints old boy Theo Walcott put the Gunners back in front before a lobbed second from Podolski and Aaron Ramsey’s angled strike ensured Wigan will be playing in the Championship next term.