Radhi Jaïdi was beaming with praise in the aftermath of his young side's victory over Stoke City - their first such away triumph since early November.
Asserting that the game plan was perfectly executed, Jaïdi complimented Southampton's defensive resilience, and efficiency in the final third, as they ran out 2-0 victors.
Goals were scored courtesy of Jake Hesketh and Callum Slattery - the latter atoning for an earlier error after an ill-fated penalty attempt was saved.
"Yes, we got more than what I asked for," Jaïdi explained, smiling. "It was a superb performance from the boys. From the start, they stepped up the level and pressed Stoke high.
"We obliged them to go direct, and we won the first and the second balls. We controlled the game.
"Perhaps a bit erratic in the final third first-half, we had the penalty and missed it. But the boys never gave up, kept working and a perfect second half.
"I felt today that the boys were more mature, they understood how to manage the game better. Slatts kept going after the penalty miss, he still believed he could have an impact on the game.
"Josh Sims is still coming back from injury, he needs to reach that 90 minute mark, but what a performance. He makes it so difficult to defend, creates chances, but I can't neglect Ben Rowthorn - he was equally as good.
"The two centre-backs dealt well with the aerial play, and I could go through the team and praise most individuals tonight."
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