Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was the hero in the penalty shootout, saving Ashley Young's penalty in sudden death, as Southampton edged past Everton to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
In a battle of the Premier League’s two sides yet to pick up a point, the match went to a shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
The first 11 efforts all found the back of the net, but Young’s strike was saved by McCarthy, leaving the travelling Southampton fans with a joyous long trip back to the south coast.
"I am really proud of the players," said Saints boss Russell Martin. "I understand what we are asking them to do is so tough but they do it with so much courage, conviction and intensity.
"I am really happy, we responded brilliantly to a setback. They stuck at it, puffed their chests out and were aggressive. I saw a lot of stuff that I liked."
Captain for the night Abdoulaye Doucoure headed in from close range after the Saints defenders failed to clear a corner to give the home side the ideal start.
But the visitors levelled soon after with their first real opportunity of the contest as centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis rose highest to plant home a thumping header from Charlie Taylor's pin-point cross.
Winger Jesper Lindstrom is still settling in with the Blues after joining on-loan from Napoli in the summer and displayed his rustiness by wasting several decent openings.
The Dane was twice thwarted when one-on-one with McCarthy, as well as being crowded out when finding himself in a good position inside the box.
The contest headed straight to spot kicks and it was the Saints who held their nerve to progress before celebrating in front of their jubilant supporters.
With ties also being played next week, Martin’s men will not find out their fourth round opponents until the draw takes place on Wednesday, 25 September.
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