SAINTS manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has praised the performances of both strikers following Adam Armstrong’s stunning left-footed strike inside the first two minutes to seal victory over Aston Villa.

The former Blackburn man hit only his second goal of the season and his first since the opening day at Everton’s Goodison Park, but it was all that was required to pick up three points at St Mary’s tonight.

He followed it up with a superb pressing effort that kept the visiting side on the back foot for much of a dominant first-half display.

But as Hasenhuttl points out, it was his striker partner Che Adams who grew into the game and showed maturity on the ball in vital moments as Saints were forced into a dogged fight to secure the 1-0.

Speaking after the game, the Austrian boss was quick to praise both forwards for their efforts.

He said: “Yeah, it was a good finish, left foot, a good hit,” of Armstrong’s strike.

“Sometimes in my opinion he shoots too quick around the box, but when he does it like this he can do it.

“But both strikers played fantastically today. Che was fantastic today I must say.

The boss continued: “This is what we need, for both to play well, it was always a threat with them, they kept the ball at the right moments and knew when to release pressure a little bit.

“When you score such a goal, it is a very good evening.”