Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was delighted after Southampton showcased their solidarity once more to beat Everton 1-0 at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Charlie Austin’s goal after just 41 seconds was enough to seal all three points, as Saints gave a response to their Europa League defeat to Sparta Praha.
The intensity of the start put Ronald Koeman’s side on the back foot, before a closely fought second half.
“I think it was a step up. We didn’t win for a couple of games and now we got it. A clean sheet and a 1-0 is always the sign of a good team,” Højbjerg said.
“It was not only after Europa League but after the Premier League games, because we didn’t have a win in three or four games.
“Although we got a good result against Liverpool, today was good.
“It was nice and 41 seconds we scored a fantastic goal. The first-half was high intensity and the second-half was a bit more long balls and fighting in the back lines.
“We got the win and we can all sleep well.”
Højbjerg and midfield partner Oriol Romeu were instrumental once more in helping Saints to a ninth clean sheet of the season.
But the Denmark international was quick to praise the defensive framework right throughout the side in helping to secure a vital victory.
He added: “Once we have the chance up front we need to win and to score them. But in the end you need to know when you also need to defend good and be solid.
“We showed again we are a very solid team. The back four had a fantastic match but the whole was pressing fantastic which the coach mentioned.
“Even the strikers were pressing and helping the team to make the job easier for us.”
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