Manager Mark Hughes applauded a 'deserving' result in the aftermath of a nervy penalty shootout victory over Everton in the Carabao Cup - securing Saints a place in the final 16.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn, making only his second Southampton appearance, denied Theo Walcott - Everton's normal time goalscorer - during the spot-kicks before Cèdric stepped up to fire the ultimate decider.
Saints, with an already impressive record against Premier League opposition in League Cup encounters, made it 10 wins from a possible 12, and, despite a late scare from the hosts, Hughes was in no doubt that his side would match a bold away performance with the result it merited.
"We're really pleased with how we performed, irrespective of the result, I thought we were good value to proceed in the cup," the manager began.
"We're happy to get through, it was the right result in my view. I thought we were the better team on the night.
"We played the more progressive football, and had sustained periods of control. It showed what a good team we are.
"Obviously it is nerve-wracking when it goes to penalties, but we got the job done.
"A number of guys have come into the side who haven't played a huge amount of football lately, but acquitted themselves really well. It gives me food for thought.
"On the night, we deserved it. We couldn't allow the late goal to deter us, that's sport. It's football.
"We weren't going to be denied tonight, there was real focus in the team and we wanted to get through this tie."
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