Sadio Mane bagged a hat-trick in a vibrant display of attacking football from Southampton that swept aside Manchester City 4-2 on Sunday and left the visitors facing a scramble to secure Champions League qualification.
The defeat, just three days before their semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, was never in doubt from the moment Shane Long capitalised on a Dusan Tadic assist in the 25th-minute.
The Serb also set up two of the goals for Senegalese striker Mane, who pounced after the 28th, 57th and 68th minute to complete his second hat-trick of a prolific season which has yielded 14 goals.
Although City countered with a brace from Kelechi Iheanacho in the 44th and 78th minute, Saints never let their grip slip on a victory which kept them in the hunt for a Europa League place.
Fourth-placed City lead Manchester United by just four points and their neighbours have a game in hand.