Claude Puel praised the character of his side as they bounced back from their Wembley heartache with a thrilling 4-3 win at Watford.

Saints showed great spirit to rally after the EFL Cup final defeat and win in remarkable style at Vicarage Road.

Manolo Gabbiadini made history by becoming the only player to score in his first four games for Saints, while Nathan Redmond netted twice and Dusan Tadic grabbed the other.

It was the second away league game in a row in which Saints have scored four times.

A delighted Puel said: “I think we stayed on the good character we showed against Manchester United and after this great game in the final we keep the capacity and the ability to come back in the Premier League is strong I think.

“I am happy with all my players of course because it was a difficult game to prepare after the final and the disappointment and it was difficult because we played a difficult team with long balls, second balls, counter attack.

“It was difficult to defend and we took a goal after three minutes at the start of the game and this was particular and I think we stayed in our plan to play good football after a good recovery to try good action and good clinical.

“I think we come back normally on the game and after 2-1 it was I think a good control of the game with the ability for the opponent but we know it is always difficult against this team with direct play and the second ball is always possible.

“I liked of course the character to come back after the kick-off to score a third goal and it was fantastic and now it is important to be clear about this character and quality on the pitch.”

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo: