Pelle backed to get on goal roll

The Italian striker put in another decent performance against Hull but looked as if his goalless streak in the top flight would extend beyond 14 games as the match entered the closing stages.

However, he was handed a great chance with nine minutes remaining that he fired home to get back amongst the goals again.

Having not scored in the league since December, the relief was etched all over Pelle’s face and you wouldn’t back against him getting on a roll again now.

Delighted Saints boss Ronald Koeman said: “I hope. We do everything to give the players the confidence what they need to play on a good level but sometimes you can’t do anything. He had a good chance first half and in the second took it and scored a goal.

“It was an important moment at the game because at 2-0 we killed the game and important for the player.”

Koeman has stuck by Pelle during some tough times and was happy for his man.

“Of course. It’s normal, the last goal was in December. It’s a long time ago,” reflected Koeman.

“It wasn’t a discussion, it wasn’t a question how he is playing because he showed his qualities to be a strong target man but if you are a striker you like to score and you need to score and it will help him a lot the second goal.

“That’s the best.

“Shane was a little bit tired out of the wing position and sometimes you need to give the players really the confidence and the chance to score.

“He is very lucky, I am lucky, the team is lucky because a lot of pressure of the players and good to score.”

Koeman did spring a surprise in his starting line-up, leaving Nathaniel Clyne on the bench, but he explained: “A rest today. He played all the games, he played for the national team and we know that Toby can play in that position. He did for the Belgian national team and Yoshida deserved to play. He showed his qualities, very strong, good defending, good organisation, good save from Kelvin at 0-0 and another clean sheet and that’s important.”