Southampton’s first Premier League victory of the season could hardly have come at a better time, as the club’s lead investor, Dragan Solak, made a rare visit to St Mary’s.

Manager Russell Martin’s future might have appeared particularly precarious had they faltered once more. However, Solak must have been impressed with the team’s performance and their first three points of the campaign – achieved at the 10th attempt – secured by Adam Armstrong’s goal five minutes from the end.

“A huge relief,” was Martin’s response. “It’s been a challenging period, but they’re an incredible group to work with. I want to stay here as long as I can, and this certainly helps. We had a few nervy moments, but everyone stuck with it, and I’m really proud.”

Everton created the better opportunities, hitting the bar through substitute Beto just before the hosts countered to score and forcing Aaron Ramsdale into several fine saves. Yet, they displayed a surprising lack of ambition for long stretches against a team with only one point to its name, and were fortunate to finish the first half with all 11 players after James Tarkowski’s reckless challenge on Cameron Archer.

Southampton’s adventurous style of play rarely translated into clear chances – they managed only two shots on target – but they went close three times in the final five minutes of the first half. Ramsdale’s first significant save did not arrive until the 50th minute, when he denied Orel Mangala.

The home goalkeeper’s next save, after 66 minutes, deflected Michael Keane’s stooping header onto the post, and he later saved from Jesper Lindstrom’s curling free kick after defender Jan Bednarek – who tasted victory for the first time in 23 Premier League starts – had survived a VAR review by Matt Donohoe for his challenge on Beto, who was through on goal.

Ramsdale was helpless, though, when Beto headed Tarkowski’s volleyed cross against the bar, but the hosts counter-attacked from the rebound, with Armstrong evading his markers to slot Yuki Sugawara’s low cross past Jordan Pickford.

Everton thought they had equalised four minutes later, but VAR ruled – after three agonising minutes – that Beto had been offside before finally beating Ramsdale.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t come away with something,” said Everton manager Sean Dyche. “I don’t feel they broke us down too often. I’ve no issue with the offside decision, but I’m very, very surprised that [Bednarek] wasn’t sent off. It was a massive decision.”