Cameron Archer scored a fine late winner to maintain Southampton’s remarkable surge into the automatic promotion places with a 2-1 win at Swansea.
Saints scored a substitute volley in the 90th minute to give Tonda Eckert’s side their seventh successive Championship win.
As a result, 4th place Southampton was within 1 point of 2nd place Millwall and tied with 3rd place Ipswich with two games remaining.
Since their recent FA Cup win over Arsenal, it has been Saints’ eighth win in all competitions.
Swansea, who took the lead with Marko Stamenic’s first goal in the 20th minute of the first half, fell one place to 15th.
Substitute Shea Charles started Southampton’s fightback as he pulled the visitors level in the 57th minute before Archer scored his second goal in successive games.
Swansea’s bright start did not bring reward, but despite the slower tempo they still took the lead through Stamenic after 20 minutes.
The ensuing movement from the left throw-in was completed with a header by Jan Vipotnik following a deep cross from Uhm Seong.
Ben Cabango failed to get the ball in, but Stamenic scored his third goal of the season.
The goal sparked the contest, despite the result being a yellow card rather than a further goal before the break.
Swansea’s Goncalo Franco was first booked before his team-mate Melker Widell collided with Southampton’s Flynn Downes, with Downes also booked after the pair scuffled on the ground.
The excitement of the contest continued when Southampton’s penalty appeal for Kavango’s trip to striker Ross Stewart was dismissed by referee Oliver Langford.
Stewart fired well and the visitors finished the first half strong, with Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux making a fine save down the right to deny Saints’ James Bree.
Southampton, who decided to replace Downs with Charles at the break, began the second period with the same sense of urgency with which they ended the first.
But a combination of resolute defense and delayed shots allowed Swansea to survive prolonged scuffles inside their own penalty area.
Vigouroux produced another excellent stop to deny Stewart as Southampton sensed an equalizer was approaching.
Charles scored in the 57th minute when Leo Scienza headed home from close range following Finn Azaz’s cross from the left.
With their tails up, Saints had the opportunity to take the lead but were unable to add the decisive touch when Ryan Manning drilled a low cross across goal.
But Swansea survived the storm and created more chances in the second half.
Uhm’s powerful run opened up space for Gustavo Nunes, but the substitute’s shot went wide before Franco went close.
Just when it looked like both sides would secure a point, Caspar Jander’s cross was volleyed over by Archer despite Jay Fulton attempting a block on the line.
manager
Swansea’s Vito Matos:
“It’s the details that make the difference, the little things that make the difference, and that’s what you have to learn to compete with these teams.
“I think we’ve shown that we can compete and it’s about consistency. That consistency is something we still lack and we have to try to find that.
“I think we have matched the team form of the Championship in most respects, but the most important thing is that everyone continues to believe and we continue to fight for our identity.
“Because in the end, it will definitely make us a better team and put us in a better position in the future.”
Southampton’s Thonda Eckert:
“For me, this is not a time for much reflection. The record is on the good side, but it doesn’t take us anywhere.
“I think I saw a team full of belief and desire to win the game, but the way to win is always different.
“A big thank you to Swansea for making that game so difficult for us because it’s not easy to get here.
“We still have big goals to work on this season, so I always stay humble and think we are doing a good job.
“We need to put that game to bed tonight and we have a big game against Bristol City on Tuesday.”
