Cuco Martina left speechless by Southampton wonder-strike

Cuco Martina admitted he was in disbelief when his goal-of-the-season contender against Arsenal hit the back of the net.

Martina, 26, made just his sixth appearance for Southampton in their 4-0 drubbing of Arsenal on Boxing Day - and it was his first start.

Meeting a bobbling ball 25 yards out, the Curacao international hit a stunning half-volley with the outside of his boot to set Southampton on course for a thumping victory against the title-chasing Gunners.

"I don't have words - it was an unbelievable feeling," Martina told the club's official YouTube channel. "I saw the ball go in and I thought 'oh my God'.

"It was a great feeling, for sure. I shoot and after the goal, everything was slow motion for me. I was so happy, so happy.

"I score I think three goals in my whole life and that's the nicest one. I'm very happy to have scored and I'm very happy that the coach gave me a chance.

"I need to improve to keep playing there and I'm very happy for the chance."

It was Martina's first Southampton appearance since the home defeat to Manchester United on September 20, but the versatile defender could well get another chance on Monday.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman confirmed right-back Cedric Soares is set to miss out again with a groin complaint, while Italy striker Graziano Pelle will be unavailable for the trip to West Ham and the next "few weeks".

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"He's struggling for a few weeks now with his knee," the Dutchman said. "We had a plan to give him some days off doing treatment and no training.

"The pain was more - that plan was not good - and we take the decision to keep the player out until he is fully recovered to start training again."

Pelle's absence will almost certainly lead to another chance in attack for Shane Long.

Long netted twice as the Gunners were cast aside, proving a nuisance throughout and hitting the post.

"He was very good," Koeman said. "He was one of the players who creates a big problem to the defenders because he had every time very good offensive movement and he was very dangerous.

"He missed a good chance first half and in the second half the long balls in behind the defenders of Arsenal is the game plan for Shane.

"He's a different number nine to Graziano. It's important to know because you need to play different - a lot of running and he causes every team problems."