Mauricio Pellegrino hails 'intelligent' Southampton despite late setback against Arsenal

Mauricio Pellegrino hailed his "intelligent" Southampton players despite them conceding a late leveller against Arsenal in a 1-1 draw.

Charlie Austin's early fine finish looked set to earn Southampton all three points at St Mary's, but with just two minutes left on the clock, Olivier Giroud's header salvaged a point for the visitors.

That is twice in three games late goals have denied Saints points, but Pellegrino feels the performance of the side was at the level he requires.

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"At the beginning the feeling is that we have conceded at the end again, as it was more or less the same against [Manchester] City," Pellegrino said. "But it is different because we played a good game, showed intelligence and we got a point.

"I think we competed really well, even with the changes we made and players like Jack Stephens and James Ward-Prowse who were out of their natural position. I am happy with that."

Pellegrino was complimentary of Arsenal too, but feels the quality of Saints' opponents brought out the best in his side.

"Against this team [Arsenal] you have to play close to excellent, because they don't need too many actions to create problems but in both aspects, attacking and defending, we were intelligent and focused from beginning until the end," Pellegrino added.

"This is a really strong Arsenal side. I know this season they are are not in the Champions League, but normally they are and fighting for the top four. For me, they are still a top team.

"It's a good reference for the future and in three days we have another opportunity [against Leicester]. Hopefully we can continue in this way."

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