Southampton have delivered a statement in play-off race – Tonda Eckert

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says his side have issued a statement in the Championship play-off race with their 5-0 thrashing of QPR.

Saints are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and have risen to seventh in the table, four points below sixth-placed Wrexham.

And the manner of Saints’ victory over a Rangers side who they started the day level on points with impressed their manager.

“We are happy for the performance,” said Eckert.

“Every game for the rest of the season will write its own story and every game will unfold in its own way but I think we have shown some statements that we are there.

“That doesn’t mean anything at the moment. We need to keep our heads down, stay humble and keep working.”

After Finn Azaz had opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a fine finish from the edge of the box, Kuryu Matsuki netted either side of half-time with his first two Championship goals.

His first was when he found himself unmarked two yards from goal to head in from a corner.

Eckert said: “He is the type of player who doesn’t get marked in the box. It is lucky they did and then he got there before the goalkeeper.

“Kuryu has played for some big clubs and played in front of some big crowds so has natural confidence.
“He is a very good player and a nice player to coach.”

Leo Scienza and James Bree added gloss to the result – which was Southampton’s biggest league wince since 2023.

QPR are now seven points adrift of the play-off places and manager Julien Stephan said: “It was a tough evening.

“We conceded goals in bad moments – at the start of the half, in the last seconds of the half and then two minutes into the second half. It was finished in about 47 minutes.

“When Nico (Madsen) has his injury in the 31st minute it was a crucial moment for us.

“After we conceded the first goal we had a good reaction and I felt it was possible to comeback but when we lost Nico the momentum completed changed.

“I want to take full responsibility for the game because I make the choices and I want to apologise to the fans.

“It is not the real face of QPR and on Saturday we will react. We will stay united and play the next one with hunger.”

Striker Richard Kone went over to travelling fans at full-time to hold his hands up for the performance and explain the thrashing.

Stephan said: “It is a sign of maturity for a young player like Richard, he is only 22, to speak with them and apologise and say we will react on Saturday.

“But it isn’t Rich’s responsibility to do that, it is mine.”