Saints’ draw at Chelsea was a victory for Ronald Koeman.

The Saints boss made the decision to drop Graziano Pelle from the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League this season, after a run of ten top flight matches without a goal.

He drafted in Shane Long, moved Sadio Mane in behind and recalled Toby Alderweireld after the defender recovered from the hamstring injury he picked up at Manchester United in January.

It worked perfectly and produced a great performance and a superb result.

Koeman said: “Shane deserves to start because he is working hard, doing well and then you need some opportunities of the coach.

“The way Chelsea played it was the best option to put Shane in front.”

Of Mane he added: “I think it was a big problem for them in the first half and that was the reason to change the system to put Shane in front.

“We knew maybe we get some space behind the defence of Chelsea and how Sadio played behind the lines behind Shane makes it very difficult for them in the first half.”

Saints’ point at Stamford Bridge was also notable for their excellent rearguard, helped by the return of Alderweireld.

“I am very happy because he was a long time out,” admitted Koeman.

“It was a difficult decision because Maya Yoshida did a great job in the last few games but Toby is a little bit more comfortable in his ball possession and we need every player in a good physical shape until the end of the season.

“It’s not about one player, we need every player to fight until the end of the season for the high position we have.”

Saints were also grateful to goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who made a strong of late saves to keep Chelsea at bay.

“I am very happy and very pleased that we have Fraser in our team,” smiled Koeman.

“Not only today but of course the expectation for today is much bigger than normal and he had fantastic saves in the second half.

“He played an unbelievable high level for the team.

“In my opinion goalkeepers are always key players in a team and organisation in a good defence and that’s one of the qualities what we have in the team.”

With an international break on the horizon Forster’s England chances will be talked up again, but Koeman wasn’t getting involved in it.

“It’s not my job to say who is the best,” he insisted.

“Hart is a good goalkeeper, Fraser is a good goalkeeper.

“I am happy to have Fraser in the team and it’s not my decision to make”