Ralph’s delight at three and easy Saints
Ralph Hasenhuttl hailed the quality in his Southampton squad after making it two wins from three games in charge at Huddersfield.
The 3-1 success at the John Smith’s Stadium, which lifted Saints three points clear of the bottom three, marked the first time since last April that the club have won backto-back top-flight games.
As against Arsenal last weekend, they again found the net three times, with Nathan Redmond and a Danny Ings penalty putting the visitors two up at half-time and 18-year-old Michael Obafemi scoring his first senior goal to wrap up the points, while Philip Billing replied.
Asked if he has been surprised by the instant impact he has had after replacing Mark Hughes, Austrian Hasenhuttl said: “Surprised, I think is the wrong word.
“I saw the intention from the first day to bring things on the pitch that we are talking about and what we try to teach them. It was amazing that in these two games we shoot six goals. It shows me that we really have quality.”
Eddie Howe believes David Brooks would be playing for a bigger club than Bournemouth had he not been struck down with glandular fever.
Wales international Brooks underlined his undoubted potential with both goals, as the Cherries returned to winning ways by beating 10-man Brighton 2-0.
“We liked the player a lot from watching him at Sheffield United,” said Howe.
“He obviously hadn’t played a great deal at the back end of last season due to glandular fever and he had to recover from that period, which is probably why we were able to sign him.”
Lewis Dunk saw red for Brighton.
Watford boss Javi Gracia saluted Troy Deeney after the striker floored West Ham and a corner flag.
The Hornets skipper slammed home a firsthalf penalty and Gerard Deulofeu added a late second to stun West Ham 2-0 and scupper their bid to win five matches on the spin.
Deeney, relishing his role as pantomime villain at the London Stadium, celebrated his successful spot-kick by punching the corner flag out of the ground and goading the home supporters.
Gracia said: “What I saw was that after the goal he was running to the corner. I don’t know what he said. I can’t tell you if it’s a good or bad celebration, I often see players running into the corner.
“I like the way he plays, his commitment, all the things he does day by day. Like all the players he maybe makes mistakes but he is our captain and an important player for us.”