Sometimes a result is far more important than a performance.

Saints failed to convince for large spells of their game against Brighton, but they delivered three points which they so desperately needed.

After back-to-back defeats to start the campaign there was a sense of concern around St Mary’s. While there was an attempt to act cool on the outside, it is hard to hide.

What Saints required was a win, however it came.

The prospect of Manchester United at home would have been daunting if it was the final fixture before an international break without having got a victory on the board, and maybe not even a point.

Now, especially given United’s defeat to Crystal Palace, it is a mouth-watering prospect with Saints and their supporters going into it hoping for an upset, and in a position where they can just give it a good go without nerves, fear or trepidation of failure.

It’s amazing what a single result can do.

Amongst all of that positivity, it would be wrong to suggest that one victory papers over the cracks that remain.

Saints were not great against Brighton. Had the Seagulls not had to play an hour with ten men after the sending off of Florin Andone for a crazy challenge on Yan Valery then it might have been different.

There were plenty of plusses for Ralph Hasenhuttl to take forward.

Moussa Djenepo’s contribution, most notably his goal, gave a nod to the future and his exciting and raw talent. Nathan Redmond again looked good. The centre halves were more solid in a 4-2-2-2 formation.

Kevin Danso got a Premier League debut. It was a tough one for him in an unfamiliar position. That Hasenhuttl admitted he would have played there regardless of a late knock for Ryan Bertrand throws up questions over one of the most senior players in the squad, as well as the decision to sell Matt Targett.

There were also negatives too.

There was more searching for a best team rather than a feeling of confidence.

Saints were loose in possession too often.

And even with ten men it was disturbing how much of a threat Brighton continued to be, and at times how easily they cut through the middle of the pitch.

Hasenhuttl now has to remain positive with his formation and selections. He likes 4-2-2-2 so stick with it.

Having got up and running it is time for Saints to impose themselves and their style. They have vulnerabilities but also weapons in their armoury, and their focus has to be on playing in a manner that utilises the latter and worries less about the what impact that has on the former.