Southampton gave Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay fresh problems by ending a six-game losing run in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory on Thursday.
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Mackay was granted a reprieve by Malaysian club owner Vincent Tan last weekend after being on the verge of losing his job, but the Boxing Day loss left his side just a point above the relegation places.
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Southampton did the damage in the first 27 minutes at the Cardiff City Stadium, with Jay Rodriguez claiming a brace and Rickie Lambert also finding the target.
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It was Southampton's first win since November 9 and left them seven points below the European places.
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Prior to the game, around 200 Cardiff fans protested against Tan, while chants of 'Don't sack Malky Mackay!' were also heard from the home support.
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It made for an uneasy atmosphere, but things could have been quite different had Peter Whittingham not spurned a glorious chance to put Cardiff ahead in the 11th minute.
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Craig Noone picked out his teammate's late run with a sweeping cross from the right, but Whittingham could only lift the ball over the bar.
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Southampton punished Whittingham's profligacy only three minutes later, with Adam Lallana rolling a low ball across the face of goal that a sliding Rodriguez converted at the back post.
I see Southampton giving Everton a tough time in the final game of 2013. That would be great news for Man United
Yes the reality check was what they needed to make things right in that club. Now the club knows what's up.