DENNIS BERGKAMP praised the battling qualities of Steve Wigley's Saints.

The Dutch master helped set the champions on their way when he laid on Thierry Henry's opener, but Saints bounced back and almost snatched victory in a dramatic match.

"They worked very hard and the whole team did well," admitted Bergkamp.

"Normally we take more risks and maybe we were not looking as much for the killer pass up front that makes the difference.

"This is not how we are used to playing this season."