CHE Adams admitted “that was needed” after acclaim leading the line for Saints during a 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth.

The victory was a first in six for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in the Premier League while his defence kept a first clean sheet of the campaign.

Adams scored an impressive header in the first-half to break the deadlock and register his only league goal since a match-winning brace at Leicester City in August.

Hasenhuttl had gone into the match under significant pressure to deliver results and although not entirely convincing, the winner buys the Austrian further time.

"That was needed," Adams told Prime Video, speaking after the match. "We dug deep in the end and got the three points.

“It's all that matters. We didn't play good but the three points is all we needed.

"Yeah, of course," the Scottish international added when asked if the pressure on the club had seeped into the dressing room.

"There's a lot of talk about the pressure and being in the bottom three but we pulled it together tonight. Well done to all the boys. Especially Duje (Caleta-Car), who put in a massive performance today."

Saints had ended a four-match losing run with a 1-1 draw versus West Ham United at St Mary’s on Sunday, but the point had done little to end speculation about the manager’s future.

"It’s been a hard few weeks," said Adams, speaking in a second interview with the club website.

"We've not been getting the result we wanted but I think we deserved it today. That early goal gave us huge confidence and belief in what we’re doing.

“Especially as a striker to score that early just sets the tone for the rest of the game. It gives you that extra buzz and feel for the game.

“We held on and that’s the most important thing. We’ve got a lot of young players, a lot of new players and it takes time to gel.”

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