Smith admits 'it was a difficult night' as Norwich fall deeper into relegation trouble

Southampton pushed Norwich City deeper into relegation trouble as the Premier League's bottom club slumped to a 2-0 defeat at St Mary's.

The Saints dominated the first half and were rewarded with Che Adams' opener before Oriol Romeu scored his first goal since October 2020.

Defeat leaves Norwich rooted to the bottom of the table five points from safety.

Only three teams have avoided relegation from the Premier League after losing as many as Norwich's 17 defeats by this stage of the season.

Having played more games than any of the teams directly above them, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Dean Smith's side will avoid relegation to the Championship.

"It was a difficult night. We gave the ball away too cheaply and when you do that you're going to be under pressure in the Premier League," Smith said.

"It's a disappointment because there's so many players that played below the standards they can, and have, played. All we can do is just concentrate on the next game now."

Southampton have lost just once in 12 games in all competitions and sit comfortably in mid-table.

Norwich have scored six goals fewer than any other side in the division this season, while only Leeds have a worse defensive record.

It didn't take long for Southampton to start exposing their flaws.

Southampton's Oriol Romeu celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters

Armando Broja tested Norwich keeper Angus Gunn from the edge of the area after Brandon Williams' wayward pass conceded possession.

Moments later, Mohamed Elyounoussi picked out Kyle Walker-Peters, whose long-range drive was held by Gunn.

As Southampton's pressure mounted, Gunn adjusted well to get his body behind Stuart Armstrong's deflected effort.

The over-worked Gunn made an even