Hasenhüttl praises gritty Saints display
Ralph Hasenhüttl praised his Southampton side as they claimed a huge three points over Arsenal at St Mary’s.
Victory for Saints saw them rise to 12th in the current Premier League standings, with just four games remaining.
Jan Bednarek’s goal gave Saints the lead shortly before the break, with an impressive defensive display ensuing in the second half as Hasenhüttl’s men fought hard for the win.
“We absolutely needed these points after our last home game,” admitted the boss. “Against a good side we tried to play a little different today.
“I think with a good goalkeeper you can play like this and I think the defensive performance today was exceptional. We tried to defend a little bit deeper, be a bit more compact, don’t give them the chances for early balls and in the end you need one good action to score.
“I think it was necessary after we conceded ten, maybe 12 goals in four games, something like that and we had to find a way back to be a bit more stable and make it a little bit harder for the opponent to score against you and then you’ll always get chances to score yourself and I think that’s what we did.
“Hard to break down, in counter-attacks always dangerous and the set-piece we get to score. In some moments, games like this are needed.
Hasenhüttl made four changes to his starting XI, with Lyanco marking his return from injury with a solid defensive display.
“Lyanco is back fit now which also helps us and was an important player today on the pitch and everything we tried to bring on the pitch today was there and it’s good for the guys that work that we get the reward for a tough game.
“It was a special day for him and I’m very happy after the session where it looked like he couldn’t play because he has a problem with his ankle after an accident, that he pushed hard and did everything from yesterday to today at 3 o'clock to be available.
“Every points are important for us, especially now after not winning for a long time. Against Arsenal at home to take the three points is good.
“It was absolutely great, we didn’t play our best football today but against the ball we played some of the best football this season. You can see they’re also supporting you when you play like this.
“There’s a feel that we’re fighting for everything, every shot you block, every defending action around the box they appreciate with applause and this is what is sometimes needed.”
