Southampton 2 Fulham 0: Pochettino hails ‘amazing’ Saints

Mauricio Pochettino hailed Southampton’s “amazing effort” after the Argentine’s side were comfortable winners against Fulham.

England international Rickie Lambert opened the scoring against the Cottagers before Jay Rodriguez doubled the home side’s lead in the 42nd minute.

Steve Sidwell, who scored a wonder goal in a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace on Monday, had the visitors’ best chance at the St Mary’s, but the Saints held on to move into third spot.

“It’s all about the players in the dressing room, they fully deserve the plaudits. I just want to congratulate them for the amazing effort,” Pochettino told BBC Sport.

“I don’t know how far we can go, it’s more about the satisfaction about the getting the win and playing well. There are things we need to improve and we want to continue working hard.”

Meanwhile, Martin Jol admitted he was disappointed with Fulham’s lack of ability to create chances in the south coast.

“Southampton are very strong, athletic, aggressive and you have to match them and if you don’t you will lose these games.

“The most disappointing thing for me was that we couldn’t create anything ourselves.

“You have to be tough, pick yourself up. We couldn’t get a break, we couldn’t score a goal, they were the better team and that’s not what you want.”