KYLE Walker-Peters praised Saints supporters who got behind their team during the 2-2 draw with Leeds United, saying: “It gives you that extra gear even when you’re knackered.”
The 25-year-old defender scored only his second Premier League goal in the final 10 minutes during the comeback versus Yorkshire opponents at St Mary’s.
Saints had gone two goals down in the second-half but substitute Joe Aribo pulled one back, before debutant Sekou Mara assisted England international Walker-Peters.
Off the pitch, it had been a tense week of relations with the fans’ form on Wednesday evening and reports of player dissent towards Ralph Hasenhuttl emerging the next day.
After going two goals behind, pockets of the home support turned sour – but the vast majority of St Mary’s pushed their team on as they showed signs of life.
“We spoke about this all week; it’s a first game at home and we want to put in a display and get the fans behind us,” Walker-Peters told the club website.
“When you have that support behind you it gives you that extra gear even when you think you’re knackered!
“When you hear people screaming your name and roaring behind you it does keep you going.”
He continued: “Sekou came on and got an assist and Joe came on and scored. The new guys have fitted in really well. I think as a group we’ve made it easy for them to settle in and that showed today.
“It was a great pass from Sekou. We caught eye contact for a split second and it was a great pass. Then I was happy I could finish it because I’ve been practising in training.”
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