Delighted Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino was buzzing after celebrating his first Christmas in English football with a much needed win.

After six games without victory Pochettino was desperate to see his side get back to winning ways at Cardiff on Boxing Day.

And his Christmas wish was granted as two first half goals from Jay Rodriguez and another from Rickie Lambert sealed a convincing three points.

“I think overall we had an amazing game. I think we did very well,” said Pochettino.

“We had a great performance, we were precise in their half, we put in an amazing shift and got an amazing result and we fully deserved the result.

“I think in the previous games we played well but the results did not come our way.

“I think in the previous games we maintained our style and how we wanted to play but again the results did not come our way.

“We have been going through a tough period of illnesses and injuries and to actually to get the win was very important.”

Saints were by far the better team at the Cardiff City Stadium and their win was fully deserved.

“It’s tough to explain in a global sense what the difference is between this game and the previous ones. Every game is a different story,” he explained.

“What’s also clear is that in the last few games we were on a very negative run, we weren’t doing well, we were playing well but weren’t getting the results.

“There were two things that happened (at Cardiff) - we played well and we were 100 per cent focussed on both areas of the pitch and we attacked and defended very well and we thoroughly deserved the win.”

It’s a busy time for Saints who now have just two clear days before facing Everton at Goodison Park.

It’s an unusual experience for Pochettino who has been used to a winter break in Spain but he said: “I think right now I am enjoying football more than ever.

“We are getting to do what we like and we are probably enjoying actually such a busy period.

“We are also seeing that the fans are enjoying this period and that makes it even better for us.

“For someone that is really passionate about football this period is amazing.

“It’s a new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”