Claude Puel admitted the Sunderland EFL Cup tie was a “big experience” for some of his young players.
Puel handed rare starts to Harrison Reed, Jack Stephens and Lloyd Isgrove, while Sam McQueen kept his place and Olufela Olomola was introduced early from the bench.
It was a real battle for Saints to get the 1-0 win over the Black Cats, settled by a stunning goal from Sofiane Boufal.
Puel said: “It is always interesting to see the many young players in this situation and the progress and what they can work for the future.
“It’s a big experience for them and with the final result I am happy to see these possibilities and to see also the good spirit and the good attitude of the young players, but also experienced players like Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida very strong and very important for all these young players.
“It was good spirit and also the bench very well and all the players feel for the result and to see the possibilities and to win.”
In amongst a busy run of fixtures, the result was ultimately all that mattered for Puel, as Saints continue to stay alive in all competitions this season.
“I enjoy of course this result, I enjoy for all my players,” admitted the Saints manager.
“The players like Jose and Yoshida and young players which is a very hard game.
“We decided to change many players and with player without Sofiane Boufal or his goal it was difficult to keep good energy, good physical level all the game and with the injury at the beginning of the game to Jay Rodriguez we lost the possibility for another player on the bench.
“This was difficult for us against a strong team without young players but with experience and mature players.
“For my squad it is the best thing to have this result and we can continue this work and continue in all competitions.
“We can also stay different players for the next game and this is interesting and all is positive and not just perhaps the injury of Jay Rodriguez.
“It was interesting to see the young players and also the comeback of Sofiane Boufal. It’s good for my team and he can score a fantastic goal.”
Our photographer Christopher Moorhouse was at St Mary's Stadium, so be sure to check out the pictures in the gallery above.
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