Stoke win sweeter than Sunderland thrashing for Koeman

Ronald Koeman said Saints’ 1-0 victory over Stoke was a sweeter win than the thumping of Sunderland.

Saints climbed to second in the table after Sadio Mane’s goal brought Koeman’s men another three points at St Mary’s.

It was a very different win to the 8-0 romp over Sunderland, but more satisfying for Koeman.

“It was difficult because we didn’t kill the game,” he said.

“We created eight good chances and you know if you don’t score the second one it’s difficult.

“Stoke put everything in, changed the system after an hour and with the physical strength that they have it was difficult.

“Football is strange because the first half was much better than last week. I think it was one of the best first halves of the season.

“In the second half we lost sometimes too easy our position.

“They didn’t create a lot, we deserved our win but it was a difficult one, more difficult than last week and maybe more nicer to win like this than last week because the lads showed great character and great ambition again.

“We had a great support of our fans and a great win.”

Koeman believes that other sides are no longer surprised by Saints’ quality but insisted his team should enjoy being second in the Premier League.

“Maybe the people are not surprised anymore about our performances, about our qualities, but OK it’s nice to watch the table list and enjoy the Sunday but Monday we start again to prepare for next Wednesday,” reflected the Saints boss.

“It’s great for the fans to see Southampton up in the list and we enjoy but we know we have to work hard.

“We showed that and nothing else.”