RALPH Hasenhuttl hailed the "exceptional" performance from Fraser Forster to help Saints defeat Arsenal, revealing the goalkeeper almost missed the contest due to injury.

Forster, who stood out even during Saints' 6-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, was the key man as Hasenhuttl's men defeated the Gunners 1-0 at St Mary's.

It was a backs-to-the-wall job for much of the contest for Saints, with Forster making a string of brilliant saves, particularly to deny Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Discussing Forster's performance, Hasenhuttl said: "We had a goalkeeper who was exceptional today, not to forget, because otherwise it looks different.

"I am first impressed that he made it to play today, because yesterday after the session he was out.

"He had an ankle problem after an accident.

"He did everything - the doctor, physios, everybody pushed hard so that he plays and great to get such a reward for such a game.

"This absolutely exceptional and I am very happy for him."

Asked if he only found out this morning Forster would be available, Hasenhuttl confirmed: "Yes. He went off the pitch (yesterday), didn’t finish the training."

Forster has just two months remaining on his contract at Saints.

Asked if he feels the 34-year-old is showing this top form with hopes of a new contract in mind, Hasenhuttl said: "I think he plays for winning with Southampton and definitely for staying with us.

"As I always say, we are in negotiations and I think today is not to speak about it, but he has a lot of arguments in his sides.

"We are always in conversation about everything. What is important for me is we have a goalkeeper who is proven in the Premier League and shows that he’s one of the good ones."