MOI Elyounoussi certainly picked the right moment to score during Saints’ FA Cup victory – with his equaliser immediately pouring cold water over Swansea’s second goal.
Although they had only 10 men after Yan Valery was dismissed on the 30-minute mark, Saints had looked comfortable throughout the tie.
Despite the game being forced into extra-time, the Hampshire side still looked confident.
However, it was feared that momentum had swung the other way when Swans took the lead in the 95th minute.
But those fears were quickly quashed when substitutes Elyounoussi and Long combined less than a minute later to level the tie once more.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Elyounoussi commented: “It was absolutely crucial to score as soon as possible after they scored.
“We knew that we were a man down, we had nothing to lose.
“We had to try and get the equaliser as soon as possible, and we did that in the best possible way.”
Elyounoussi and Long were introduced right after Swansea had equalised in regulation time, with the pair watching the hosts score as they stood waiting at the half-way line to come on.
The Norwegian international conceded that it wasn’t the best time to come on, stating: “I came in right after they equalised, it wasn’t how I imagined it when we were 1-0 up and I thought maybe this was the chance to see it out, get a few counter attacks.
“It made it even more difficult of course.
“But I think we showed character.
“We showed strong belief in what we are doing, and adapted as well. It was a good win in the end.”
Saints now know their reward for beating Swansea – a draw at home to another Championship side, Coventry City.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here