Midfielder Sofiane Boufal opened the scoring for the home side when he slotted a James Ward-Prowse pass into the top left corner past Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 53rd minute.
It was the first meeting between the sides in the top flight since 2005.
The Saints were swept aside 3-0 by Crystal Palace last weekend before crashing out of the Europa League following a home draw against Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva on Thursday.
The win moves Southampton into 10th in the league while Middlesbrough is 16th, three points clear of the relegation places.
source: sports.inquirer.net
