Claude Puel delighted by Southampton response

Southampton manager Claude Puel has praised his players for their spirit to overcome Everton just three days after their Europa League setback in the Czech Republic.

The Saints suffered a 1-0 defeat against Sparta Prague on Thursday to leave their hopes of progression in Europe hanging in the balance with one game to go.

An early Charlie Adam goal put them on course for three more points in the Premier League this afternoon, however, with Southampton seeing things through to earn a 1-0 win and climb back into the top half of the table.

"It was a very good performance for us because we had a lot of injury problems before the match," he told BBC Sport. "But it was a good game against a good team. It had lovely action and I took pleasure from our chances today - it's interesting for the future.

"It's always better to start with a goal as normally it's us conceding early. Today's performance was good for confidence after a loss at Sparta Prague earlier this week."

Southampton now turn attention to Arsenal in the EFL Cup in midweek, before a league match with Crystal Palace and a group-stage decider against Hapoel Be'er Sheva early next month.