Sunday 1 May 2016 20:02, UK
Ronald Koeman was full of praise for his players after Southampton thrashed Manchester City 4-2 at St Mary's on Sunday.
Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick as the Saints netted four for the second Premier League game in a row, and Koeman was delighted with the performance of his side.
"It's very good to win against teams like City," Koeman told Sky Sports. "You have to be at your best and the first 45 minutes was already more than our best. We played great football, created a lot of chances and scored two fantastic goals.
"We were unlucky a little bit to be 2-1 at half-time, but in the second half we did everything you need to win against teams like City.
"I like a team who played from the start to win the game, and if we show that, I'm enjoying football like today."
Koeman was also full of praise for his attacking trio of Mane, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic, who caused City all kinds of problems at St Mary's. Long scored the first before Mane's hat-trick, while Tadic provided three assists for his team-mates.
"We have a lot of competition in our forwards and I think the three players up front did an amazing job today," said Koeman. "Sadio, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic... I think it was the key to make it very difficult for City's defenders.
"Dusan is a type of player where if he gets some freedom, he's dangerous. He sees the options to give at the right moments, that's one of his big qualities."
The result leaves Southampton in seventh place in the Premier League, and Koeman is hoping his side can go on to secure Europa League qualification.
"It's a very important win because it means we're still fighting for Europe," said the Dutchman. "We've passed Liverpool and that's good.
"We know we need maybe two more wins, but I think we've shown in the last few months some great football and spirit, and if we show the belief we showed today, then maybe it's possible.
"It's all about the final part of the season. Last year was fantastic - we had 60 points, now we have 57. Maybe we can do better than last season, and that will be incredible."
