Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Ronald Koeman calls Southampton win over Arsenal best moment of year

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman said his side's 2-1 Capital One Cup win against Arsenal was the best moment he has enjoyed in an increasingly impressive start to his tenure as the club's manager.

Koeman, who succeeded Mauricio Pochettino as Saints boss in June, saw a host of star players leave the squad he inherited soon after his arrival, but the south coast club went into the game at Emirates Stadium sitting second in the Premier League and eager to continue their momentum in cup football.

Goals from Dusan Tadic and Nathaniel Clyne gave them a fine victory against the Gunners, with Koeman reflecting on the win in an interview with the club's official Youtube channel.

"It was fantastic, winning at Arsenal is difficult," said Koeman. "They changed a lot in their team, but the players they brought on in the second half was to win the game. After the Sanchez goal, we showed a great reaction and it was great to see the spirit of the team. It is an amazing, amazing result for us.

"We had more than 5,000 fans at this game and that's amazing. It means a lot to the player and to the coach. We are happy for them that we won today. It is a big team who we have beat and it is maybe the best result we have had so far.

"It is a fantastic start, we know that, but we have to continue now. If we always give 100 percent, we can have a fantastic season. We need to keep both feet on the ground and Saturday against QPR could be even more difficult. We have to be ready for that.

"It is great to have confidence, but not too much. The team was already taking about next Saturday after the match

It was not all good news for Southampton, as Koeman confirmed his influential midfielder James Ward-Prowse fractured his foot in last Saturday's win against Swansea and will be out for the next ten weeks.

"We're very disappointed about that, but that's football and that can happen," added Koeman.

"It's unlucky, but okay. The boy has to keep going and it's difficult because he had a great start to the season, but it's part of the football and he will come back."

^ Back to Top ^