Claude Puel was delighted with Saints’ dogged defensive display as they held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield.

It was a fourth clean sheet in four against the Reds for Saints this season, but more importantly a spirited performance full of character after they were booed off at St Mary’s the previous weekend.

Puel was understandably happy with the way his side handled the pressure but argued that the spirit of his men was no different against Liverpool than it had been when they faced Hull.

He insisted: “I said the team before this game it was not for me a bad spirit against Hull City but it was just to improve on the concentration and prepare the game to the same attitude against Liverpool or Hull City.

“We have a young team and it’s important to improve and find the good consistency on the preparation of the game. This is very important.

“I agree it was a difficult game and not enough against Hull City but it was not for me a bad spirit because they work very well on the training session every game and we show this against Liverpool.”

The point lifted Saints back into the top half of the table after results on Saturday had dragged them down to 12th.

It was also a clear indication that they are not ready to pack up for the summer just yet.

“It was important,” agreed Puel. “I think after our game against Hull City we had to correct something and I am satisfied of course with this game because it was a strong game, fantastic game, with a strong defensive unit.

“It was important to play like this against this team. We know this team has good players and good qualities.

“Sometimes perhaps we can recover some ball and start with another quality but it was difficult because they can do good pressing after the loss of the ball and it was difficult for us to make some counter attack.

“It was fantastic work from the squad because we defend very well with good structure, good organisation, good discipline and it’s a good reward.”

Saints have beaten Liverpool twice this season – both matches in the EFL Cup as they reached the final – while they have achieved a pair of goalless draws in the Premier League.

“It’s a good way this season against Liverpool this season to win, to draw, four clean sheets,” reflected Puel.

“It’s a fantastic job against this team and I hope we can continue this against other good teams like Arsenal next game and Manchester United for example.

“It will be important but it will be other games, other intensity, and it’s important now to recover after this game. We will see on Wednesday.”