The celebrations said it all. As Manolo Gabbiadini pounced on an error by Watford's goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and tapped in Southampton's third goal, the roar went up from the corner of red and white shirts in the ground.
After the heartache of Wembley, this was an important victory for Southampton, the pick-me-up that their players and travelling supporters craved.
By the end of this game, there was clear daylight between Southampton and Watford and nobody could dispute that the right team triumphed.
On the final whistle, every Saints' player went over to applaud their fans and the appreciation was reciprocated.