Resurrected Saints will be in high spirits
SOUTHAMPTON will be full of festive spirit when they arrive at the John Smith’s Stadium to take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
The Saints are celebrating a fine 3-2 home victory over Arsenal which not only ended the Gunners’ long unbeaten run at 23 matches but also gave a three-point St Mary’s debut to new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Austrian Hasenhuttl sent beer tokens to the Saints’ season-ticket holders before the game and his gesture had the desired effect at a raucous St Mary’s.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan twice levelled for Arsenal to cancel out headers from Danny Ings, before substitute Charlie Austin grabbed Saints’ late winner.
The 51-year-old, who replaced the sacked Mark Hughes on December 5, charged on to the pitch at fulltime to celebrate the club’s first home win since April.
“First I have to apologise to Unai Emery (the Arsenal boss) that I didn’t shake hands immediately because I didn’t see him,” said Hasenhuttl.
“I had to run to my guys because they were waiting. I did it (shook hands) later and it was OK.
“It’s what I wanted to feel when I came to the Premier League, this atmosphere after the game and to celebrate such a moment is something very special for me.
“To come back again and again and again it was amazing because it showed us we have the character to face problems and to make the next step.”
Asked about the free drinks, he added: “I think it was the perfect step to help us.
“I heard when it works like this you have to do it every game at home. We’ll have a look.”