Monday 13 February 2017 17:29, UK
Claude Puel said Southampton were relieved to end their losing run with an impressive 4-0 victory at Sunderland.
Manolo Gabbiadini's first-half double sent the Saints on their way to a comfortable win at the Stadium of Light, as Jason Denayer's late own goal and Shane Long's low finish sealed the rout.
Having lost six of their previous seven league games, the victory sets Puel's side up nicely for their EFL Cup final date with Manchester United, and importantly for the Southampton boss, ends a run of three straight defeats.
"It was very important for us this game, with this score it is a relief for the whole squad," Puel said. "We had many losses and it was not possible to continue like this.
"It was important to give a good answer and a good reaction and I think since the beginning of the game - it was difficult at the start - but with the good spirit, quality and togetherness, we could take the ball and play, and it was difficult for Sunderland.
"We had a very good spirit, attitude, and it was a difficult game at the beginning. The score is large but it was a good team, Sunderland, in confidence after their last result and I think we made a fantastic game.
"We scored with quality, [and] it's a good preparation for the next game."
Puel also paid tribute to Gabbiadini, his £17m January signing from Napoli, who made it three goals from two Southampton appearances after his strike on debut against West Ham last Saturday.
"Three goals in his first two games is a good thing," Puel added. "He's a striker, he is a technical player with quality and can play with the team, proposing solutions between the lines.
"Also he is a striker, he can finish and dribble. It is a good thing for us.
"Now it is important to continue this work, to take three or four days off, this is a good thing for the squad. After we can prepare for the next game, which is very important for us."
