Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl felt the 2-0 win over top of the table Everton was no less than his Southampton side deserved, following the Premier League meeting at St Mary’s on Sunday.
The hosts were dominant from the off, scoring twice in eight minutes midway through the first half courtesy of James Ward-Prowse and Ché Adams.
Taking a commanding lead into the break, Southampton were untroubled following the restart and inflicted a first defeat of the season on Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
“We showed some good quality today,” Hasenhüttl said. “With possession and also against the ball, we were very organised and had good game management.
“It’s definitely not a coincidence we won this game today, because I think we were the better team against a really strong side.
Ralph hasenhüttl
It’s definitely not a coincidence we won this game today, because I think we were the better team.
on sunday's 2-0 win
“We had a clear game plan with and against the ball and this is always the key to winning for our team.
“Some of the performing players showed again how strong they are and when they score like this, it’s a good signal.”
Moving four unbeaten in the Premier League, Hasenhüttl’s side now sit fifth in the table.
Having started slowly, the Saints boss is pleased with the momentum being built.
“After our not so good start, we had a good few weeks to work together and I think you can see that we are now better organised, have better commitment and showing more and more of the things that we want to show.
“At the beginning today, against the ball, we had a few problems and we were a little too stretched.
“We had to make a few [tactical] changes but then after 28 minutes it was better and we scored the first goal and went from there.”