Ronald Koeman "didn't expect" Southampton to thrash Aston Villa

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has praised his team for their ruthless demolition of Aston Villa.

The South Coast side scored four goals in 14 first-half minutes, which included a Sadio Mane hat-trick, and went on to eventually win 6-1.

Koeman told BBC Sport: "I didn't expect that first half. We played fantastic football and had good movement and players running in to space. It was strange to see the opponents playing one line and we punished them for the space they gave.

"The goals were great and it is hard to keep concentration in the second half but the victory was well-deserved.

"It was incredible from Sadio Mane. A player like him, to get that kind of space, he will punish you. The whole team did a good job and I am proud."

Southampton face Manchester City next week.