Southampton coach Ronald Koeman hails "great result" after Vitesse scalp

Ronald Koeman has paid tribute to his Southampton troops after their "great result" in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over Vitesse.

The Saints planted one foot in the final qualification round as goals from Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long sealed a comfortable first-leg victory at St Mary's.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, the Dutchman said: "In European football, 3-0 is a great result.

"We controlled the game, but we played backwards too much, and they had a big chance to make it 2-1.

"The third goal made a big difference and I'm happy about the final result."

Fellow Premier League side West Ham United looked poised to effectively join them in the playoffs, but Slaven Bilic's side let a two-goal lead slip at home following a 2-2 draw with Astra Giurgu.