Sunday 28 December 2014 17:40, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman was proud of his team’s efforts as they held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.
Saido Mane had given the Saints the lead inside 17 minutes but Eden Hazard equalised just before half-time and the home side had to withstand heavy Chelsea pressure after the interval.
Koeman’s men still managed to deny Chelsea a single shot on target after the break, and the Dutchman felt his team were well worth a point.
“Of course, in the second half Chelsea was the better team,” Koeman told Sky Sports.
“But they didn’t create a lot because I thought our organisation today was outstanding. The spirit of the players was fantastic and that makes the draw today.
“It was a pity [to concede the equaliser] before half-time. It’s always different when you go in 1-0 instead of 1-1, but even in that moment we kept our spirit in the second half and that was important.”
Koeman reserved a special word of praise for Mane, who netted his fourth Premier League goal – and second in three days, having also scored in the Boxing Day win at Crystal Palace.
“Scoring goals always gives players confidence,” Koeman added. “He was working very hard and scored from his one chance. That position behind the striker, maybe it’s his best position.”
Southampton gave teenager Matt Targett his full debut at left-back as Koeman was forced to shuffle his pack, and the manager was delighted with the response from a squad that has recovered from a recent run of four consecutive Premier League defeats to see in 2015 among the top four.
“It’s difficult when it’s the second game for everybody in 48 hours,” he said. “You have to make changes and those players have to go on. But we showed unbelievable character today.
“There were some changes in the team and some changes in the system, but we showed that we’ve learned from those games. The organisation was good and that’s important.
“I’m proud of the result and proud of the players. This result shows everything.”
