SAINTS fans spilled out into the streets of Southampton scarcely able to believe their own eyes after an historic thrashing of Sunderland.

Hundreds of delighted supporters waited outside the stadium to get an autograph or simply say hello to the players who delivered the once-in-a-lifetime result.

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Fraser Forster, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Davis and Kelvin Davis all greeted fans outside the ground still dizzy from a game that will be talked about for decades.

Some younger fans imitated their heroes and kicked a ball against the stadium, while others chatted and laughed about the game.

Santiago Vergini's remarkable own goal was a hot topic of conversation, along with new stars Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle.

John Goddard, 54, below, of Bassett, Southampton, took his 11-year-old grandson Tai, who recently had a kidney transplant, to St Mary's for the first time.

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He said: “I come on a rare occasion but I picked a good one to come to, and I brought my grandson for his first game.

“It was fantastic football, although I put a fiver on Southampton to win 2-1.

“To win 8-0 was outstanding and both of Pelle's goals were brilliant - he's a cracking player.

“I think we'll be coming back more often now because it's a fantastic start for your first game to be 8-0.”

The mood outside the ground was one of optimism, especially in the face of the despair throughout pre-season.

Stars including Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw were sold, prompting fears that the club would struggle in the Premier League.

And seasoned Saints fan Mel Hyland, 67, of Thornhill, said: “Sunderland are our bogey team and for 20 minutes I thought we were going to get nowhere.

“I read that it was the biggest defeat in Sunderland's history.

“We've let a lot of players go but bought new ones for half the money and we've got a better squad.”

Mehran Khalili, 20, below, of Bassett, Southampton, said: “I thought it was going to be tight but it was really fun.

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“It was 3-0 at half time and I thought it could be 4-0 at full time, but it was a day to remember. I've never seen a game like that before.”

Vicky Leggett, below, 64, of Thornhill, Southampton, said: “The atmosphere was brilliant and Pelle did well.

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“Koeman is doing a brilliant job and I'm really pleased that we are doing so well because we are proving people wrong.”

Darren Cottrell, 44, below, of Salisbury, said: “I've been supporting them all my life and I wasn't expecting that today.

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“It's been a good season so far and Koeman has got his tactics right.”

Cameron Whyte, 9, below, of Weston, said: “I come to every game and my favourite player is Dusan Tadic.

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“I couldn't believe it and I was happy with the two own goals.”

 Pete Nailer, below, 45, of Bitterne,  with son Tim 15, said: “To start with I thought they were better than us.

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“I think we have a good lot of players and we have a great manager.”

Liam Moore, 20, below, of Weston, said: “Watching the game was amazing and it was a good result.

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“I was amazed how good they were playing today and it'd make me more likely to come back.”

William Xin, 23, below, of Southampton city centre, said: “I'm a student at the university and I have come to almost every home game.

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“It was amazing and I really liked it - 8-0 was brilliant.”

Richard Harris, 34, pictured below with sons Finlay, Liam and Jacob,  all from Marchwood, said: “I've been before but it's not like it was today.

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“The atmosphere was really good.”

Emily O'Brien, 16, of Lordswood, Southampton, pictured below with Emily Corkish, 16, and Paul Langridge, 44, said: “The best bit was their own goal - it was like a proper shot.

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“After that it was just goal after goal after goal.”