The Colombian's first-half strike was enough to seal a hard-fought win for Unai Emery's side, which climbed to fifth on the table after back-to-back victories at Villa Park.

Villa, which ended an eight-match winless streak across all competitions with victory over Brentford in midweek, broke through in the 24th minute.

Duran, who was making his first Premier League start of the season, stole possession from Taylor Harwood-Bellis and burst away from Nathan Wood, before bending the ball into the net.

Southampton could not respond, failing to register a single shot on target as its winless streak on the road in the top flight stretched to 15 matches.

With Brighton and Fulham not playing until Monday (AEDT) and Nottingham Forest in action later, Villa leapfrogged the trio to fifth place on 25 points, 20 more than its opponents, which remain seven adrift at the foot of the table.