MOU GETS A KICK FOR COURAGE

SOUTHAMPTON livewire Moussa Djenepo insists some brutal treatment from Chelsea was a small price to pay for stopping the rot.

The 22-year-old Mali international midfielder delivered a man-of-thematch display for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints against their expensively assembled visitors.

Djenepo (above) was all action, breaking up Chelsea attacks and recovering the ball throughout the contest.

Both Timo Werner and N’golo Kante could easily have seen red after reckless challenges that left Djenepo in a heap and requiring treatment.

And after a draw that ended a dismal run of six Premier League defeats on the bounce, Djenepo also believes Saints can build on a positive result.

He said: “I’m fine – I received the kicks during the match but we did not lose the game. And so it’s OK, and I am ready to do it for the team.

“We are happy because it is a good point for us. We knew before the game that we needed it and we did it. We need to keep going.

“It’s important for us because before this it was difficult. It is an important point for us after some poor games, and now we need to focus for the next games.”

Djenepo also had words of praise for Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu, 21, after an impressive performance on his first start in the Premier League.

He added: “Sali – it has been difficult for him and he worked very hard for his chance.

“I’m happy for him because he proved what he can do for himself and for the team.

”He needs to keep going. He’s young and he needs time to develop in this club.”

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