Sunday 25 September 2016 20:40, UK
Southampton manager Claude Puel felt his side showed more "respect" in the second half as they went on to sink woeful West Ham 3-0 on Sunday at the London Stadium.
The Saints took the lead through Charlie Austin in the 40th minute before second-half goals from Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse condemned the Hammers to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.
The win moves Southampton up to ninth spot in the league table with eight points under their belt and Puel believes his team are showing progress, having secured four consecutive wins without conceding.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Frenchman said: "I think our first half was very difficult. It was not good football from us, but we could see in the second half a good team with a good player in goal and many chances.
"We lost the ball very quickly (in the first half) and it was difficult to put the ball in the goal. I think sometimes we didn't respect our game and it's very interesting, the second half, to see the correction from my players and I'm happy for my players because they have been rewarded."
The 55-year-old expressed the importance of Southampton's second goal, admitting the 1-0 lead was not comfortable for the visitors.
He added: "The second goal is fantastic.
"At first, the second didn't come and it's always dangerous - (they have) Payet and because of chances for your opponent, it's important to score the second goal.
"We have to improve on the game and to correct, to progress together and this is very important to keep a good humility, every time in the training sessions.
"We play many games and all the squad participate very well. I think, for the future, the squad will be strong."
