Former Saints star wants Southampton to be given credit after West Ham mauling.
Former footballer Matt Le Tissier
Former Southampton maestro Matt Le Tissier has criticised the media reaction to the club’s win over West Ham.
The Saints won 3-0 away to the Hammers, emerging victorious on their first ever visit to the London Stadium.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic celebrates scoring their second goal with Virgil van Dijk
West Ham are sitting in the relegation zone after a disastrous start to the season, and have only one Premier League win so far.
After an impressive 2015/16 season, pressure is piling on the club, and much of the post-match reaction has focused on their struggles.
Le Tissier has called for more credit to be given to Southampton, arguing that his former side’s victory should not be viewed as a surprise.
Southampton finished a highly creditable sixth position last season, and new boss Claude Puel has made a strong start.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
The Saints are in ninth position, but the victory was only their second league win of the campaign. Had West Ham won, they could have drawn level on points with them.
As it is, there is now a six point gap between the two teams, and Southampton are the side who can hold a more genuine hope of qualifying for Europe again next season – which is even more impressive considering they are the team balancing Premier League and Europa League football, unlike the Hammers which were knocked out in the qualifying stage this season.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin scores their first goal
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
