Terry Paine: Southampton's win at Chelsea was their best performance under Ronald Koeman

The Dutchman’s side demolished the defending Premier League champions on their own turf, inflicting only a third ever home defeat for Jose Mourinho in England’s top-flight.

Saints recovered from conceding an early free-kick goal to Willian, equalising before half-time through Steven Davis, with SadioMane and Graziano Pelle then scoring during a sizzling second-half display.

“I think it was as good a team performance as I have seen since Ronald Koeman came into the job,” said honorary Saints president Paine.

“Individually, every player was on song, and every player seemed to know what his job was.

“The tactics were absolutely spot on as well. The diagonal ball they used right into the heart of the Chelsea defence was always going to cause them problems, and the midfield buzzing around caused all sorts of issues.

“I think Chelsea got off a little bit light. It was a thoroughly deserved win, and if it had come in four or five I don’t think they could have complained.”

The only frustration for Paine, who agreed Saints should have had two first-half penalties, was what he saw as an apparent lack of recognition after the match for their performance, with the focus instead on Chelsea’s failings.

It was something he was keen to put right during his weekly appearance on South African television.

“I thought we should have got a lot more praise than what we did, although I made sure it was the lead story on our Monday night show here,” he said. “I really hammered it home and showed the goals again and again!”

Paine believes the result could propel Saints significantly onwards, and he pointed to the 6-0 demolition of MK Dons in the Capital One Cup recently as a potential catalyst for their current form.

“Now you’re looking for that consistency,” he said.

“I said at the start that if we finished somewhere around eighth, with all the changes of the summer, I would be more than happy, but who knows, if we can perform like that.

“I think the 6-0 win against MK Dons was a massive boost for us. It’s amazing how a cup run, or a good result in it, can set you up for the weeks ahead.

“I’m a great believer in that cup games can sometimes turn the tide for you, or even be the turning point in a season, and I felt that would be a big boost for us.”

Mane received the man-of-the match award for his display against the Blues, although he had many challengers for the honour, and Paine believes he is an even better player this term than he was last.

“Obviously, Mane with his pace was a big factor, and that didn’t surprise me,” he said.

“John Terry voted him in his team of the year last season I think, so they would have been very aware of his pace, but they still couldn’t stop him.

“It’s not just his speed, though. I think he’s improved as a team player as well.

“Before, some of his leading-out work and passing quite often never found a player, but he’s improved on that and, consequently, when he gives a good ball he’s got a good chance of getting it back.”

Paine added: “I saw Koeman say we must enjoy him while we have got him, and I think that’s right.

“If you have got pace and you are a finisher, you are going to catch the eye. He loves to get in behind defences and expose them with his pace.

He’s so quick, he’s like an express train when he takes off.

“He’s improved his control and his final pass before he gets on the end of things. I can see for clubs who have got money to spend he will be a target for them, certainly at the end of the season.”

Paine also highlighted Cedric Soares’ performance at right-back as his best for the club since his sum - mer switch from Sporting Lisbon, and he also had high praise for Ryan Bertrand after his return from in - jury, as well as deadline day signing Virgil van Dijk.

“Ryan Bertrand coming back has made a vast difference, in as much as his experience is so valuable,” he said.

“Van Dijk has come in and, touch wood, he looks like the buy of the century at the moment.

“Toby Alderweireld left a huge void and I know it’s early days, but what I have seen of him I like. He’s an imposing figure, he likes to play the ball, he’s a good passer, and he’s got a good understanding of his defensive duties.”

Perhaps those players are a big part of the reason why it all came together so well at Stamford Bridge.

“I’d seen ten minutes here and 15 there where it looked as if we were putting it together, and we showed against Chelsea we can do it for 90 minutes,” said Paine.

Long may it continue.