Defender Kyle Walker-Peters produced a moment of magic to lift Southampton fans following the departure of striker Danny Ings.
The £30million transfer of Ings to Aston Villa was announced just before kick-off at a subdued St Mary's on Wednesday night.
Ings has scored 46 goals in 100 appearances for Southampton after joining from Liverpool in 2018.
Defender Kyle Walker-Peters scored the winner for Southampton against Levante
Midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who has also been linked with a move to Villa Park, was not in the match-day squad on Wednesday night.