Delighted Claude Puel hailed his triumphant Saints squad as they booked a place in the League Cup semi-finals and history repeated itself.
Saints defeated Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to book a League Cup semi-final for the first time in 30 years – and have been drawn to face Liverpool, the club that knocked them out the last time they got to the final four in 1986-87.
Puel’s side were good value for their victory over the Gunners, with Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand striking in the first half to secure the win.
“It was a great performance I think because a different profile on this game with clinical in the first half with two chances and two goals. I like this,” laughed Puel.
“After in the second half I believe we have many chances to score another goal and to stay more quiet on the game but it was not the thing and it was important to stay with good concentration against a good team.
“It was a fantastic game to stay with the same result in the second half with good solidarity and a very good attitude and I enjoy of course for my players this possibility to play now a semi-final two games, away and at home.
“We will see this in the second part of the season but it was the objective to qualify for the semi-final and now it’s all the competitions and very important games for the future.”
Puel was staying calm about the semi-final, with Saints within touching distance of Wembley.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who dumped Saints out of the competition with a 6-1 win at St Mary’s last season, will visit St Mary’s on January 10/11, with the return leg at Anfield on January 24/25.
Puel was refusing to think that far ahead.
“I think we will see in the second part of the season but of course I think it’s a good thing,” he admitted.
“To play against a great team is very interesting for all my players and all my young players.
“We will see in the second part of the season.”
Puel also revealed he was given a good luck message at the final whistle by his former manager and mentor Arsene Wenger.
When asked what Wenger said to him, Puel replied: “Just now to win this cup and to go to a final.
“The most important for us was just the objective to win this game, to qualify and to continue the good work with the squad.
“We will see the future.”
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