Hasenhüttl praises hard-working Saints

The manager was particularly delighted with the fighting spirit on show against an "aggressive" Wolves side, who came on characteristically strong in the second period, drawing level via Pedro Neto.

Saints were forced to ride out sustained periods of pressure as the game wore on, but were more than up to the challenge, owing plenty to the resolve of Alex McCarthy, who had to be alert on several occasions in both halves. Equally as pleasing, Theo Walcott also scored his first goal since securing a fairytale return to the club back in September. 

"I'm very proud of my team today," Hasenhüttl asserted. "I think it was one of our best games this season, it was so tough. A very hard fight, we knew this.

"After the one zero you could see that they were making a step up and it then was tough for us to defend. We had a good Alex McCarthy today, I think.

"If Theo [Walcott] makes the second then maybe that gives us a chance to win but we couldn't finish it perfect and in the end I think it was a deserved point. A draw is okay for both teams.

we have made some good progress and i really enjoy watching the guys work in the moment.

ralph hasenhüttl
southampton fc manager

"It's not so easy [under the pressure]. You must fight for this one point and we did it tonight. I'm very proud of how my lads did it and the team was really working hard.

"It was important that we do everything to take this point and stay unbeaten. We believe in what we're doing. You can see we had to be brave in the second half, lost a few balls, but then also had chances. It is hard against a team who are very aggressive.

"Theo is investing a lot for our team. He's very good against the ball, always closing, but his finishing can be better. It's not always perfect. But I like the way he works for the team and this is good.

"We have made some good progress in our team and I really enjoy watching the guys work in the moment; we'll be glad when the fans are back because we can enjoy watching together."