RALPH Hasenhuttl spoke of his pride following Saints’ “brave” performance at Liverpool.

Saints were the better side in the first half but can take heart from another impressive performance ahead of their FA Cup replay at Spurs on Wednesday.

Hasenhuttl said: “It was surprising they had 50 minutes without getting a goal chance against us. To play for 50 minutes like this against Liverpool, the best in the world, is a massive signal for us.

We had a pass back to the goalkeeper where we could have had a free-kick in the box and the chance to score we had so often.

“The automatism was absolutely perfect in the first half.

“One situation before half time they kicked the ball long and didn’t know what to do against our high pressing.

“This is not normal, but even if you are 1-0 up at half-time we would have had a long way to go to take something.

“I wanted them to play like they did, they never stopped doing what they do best. If you then concede three goals it is maybe too high, but who cares.

“The way they played today, we showed up, and I’m very proud of them.”

Saints had several chances before the first goal with Allison saving well from Danny Ings, Shane Long and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg before the opening goal.

“It’s not surprising that when they are 1-0 or 2-0 up it becomes more and more difficult,” lamented Hasenhuttl. “We tried to press and still the space got bigger. It was a deserved win for Liverpool. It shows how strong they are. They played on Wednesday and were still focused.

“They don’t underestimate you and it makes them unbeatable at the moment. We need to be brave and we have been today which makes me very proud.”