Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has acknowledged the importance of his side's slender 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup.
The Saints came out on top in a battle between two Premier League strugglers at The Hawthorns, piling further pressure on their opponents in the process.
Wesley Hoedt and Dusan Tadic put Southampton two goals in front and, despite Salomon Rondon pulling one back for the hosts, they managed to hold on for a first quarter-final appearance since 2005.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Pellegrino talked up the "focused" display produced by his side in the West Midlands.
"It was important for us for many reasons, we go to the next round in one game, and also because we wanted to give opportunities to players not playing too much," he said. "And we wanted to improve the spirit ahead of the next Premier League game.
"They were really strong in direct play, and they are very good from set plays. It was a really tight game, we were really focused today. Now the most important thing is to believe in our job and our way."
Southampton also beat West Brom here in the Premier League a fortnight ago, making this the first time that they have ever won twice away from home in the same month against a single opponent.
Daniel Lewis
