Dec 18, 2016 at 1.30pm UK at ​Dean Court
Attendance: 11,113
Bournemouth
1-3
Southampton
Ake (6')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Bertrand (13'), Rodriguez (48', 85')
Boufal (34'), Clasie (76'), Davis (78')

Claude Puel delighted to see Jay Rodriguez hit scoring trail

Jay Rodriguez of Southampton in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Southampton, United Kingdom.
© Getty Images
Claude Puel salutes Jay Rodriguez's two-goal showing against Bournemouth, which helped Southampton to a 3-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has admitted that he is delighted to see Jay Rodriguez return to form following his "difficult" recent injury layoff.

The 27-year-old scored his first Premier League goals since August on Sunday lunchtime as the Saints earned a 3-1 comeback win over south coast rivals Bournemouth.

A fine 20-yard effort late on sealed the points for Southampton, helping them up to seventh in the table and three points above their opponents, and Puel was particularly impressed by Rodriguez's display.

"It was difficult in the first half, but in the second half we started well with a good spirit and energy and [it was a] very good second half for us," he told BBC Sport.

"I am happy for the players and for Jay. It was difficult for him with his long injury and he came back step by step. He has played three or four games since the injury of [Charlie] Austin. He works well for the team each time and it is a pleasure to see him happy with two goals."

Rodriguez last scored a brace for Southampton in March 2014, just before a long-term injury destroyed his hopes of earning a call-up to England's World Cup squad.

Charlie Austin comes off injured during the Europa League game between Southampton and Hapoel Be'er Sheva on December 8, 2016
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea17141235112443
2Liverpool17114241202137
3Manchester CityMan City17113336201636
4Arsenal17104338191934
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1796229121733
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd178632417730
7Southampton176651716124
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom176562321223
9Everton176562121023
10Bournemouth176382328-521
11Stoke CityStoke175661924-521
12Watford176382129-821
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham175481931-1219
14Middlesbrough174671619-318
15Leicester CityLeicester174582329-617
16Burnley1752101628-1217
17Crystal Palace1743102832-415
18Sunderland1742111528-1314
19Swansea CitySwansea1733112037-1712
20Hull City1733111436-2212
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