Sunday 28 September 2014 08:24, UK
Ronald Koeman is pleased Graziano Pelle's winning goal for Southampton against QPR will be watched around the world.
Italian striker Pelle's highly skilled overhead effort secured all three points for Saints over Rangers in the Premier League on Saturday.
The 2-1 victory followed on from a similar success at Arsenal in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night, but Saints boss Koeman admits the weekend win was even more satisfying.
"Maybe it was a little more than last Tuesday," Koeman told Sky Sports. "Everyone always looks forward to playing against Arsenal but this was more difficult.
"We played at home, and they had a very good defensive organisation. But in the second half, the game was more open than the first. All credit to QPR - I think they played a very good second half.
"The lads showed talent and quality but most importantly in my opinion, they showed a lot of character in a fantastic second half.
"The three points is important but the way we fought in the second half, against a strong squad like QPR, it's a fantastic feeling."
Ryan Bertrand opened the scoring with a rare goal - his first in a little over two years, and only the third of his professional career - and although Charlie Austin equalised, £8million former Feyenoord man Pelle's outstanding effort proved to be the clincher.
"Amazing... amazing, how he scored that goal," added Koeman. "We know he's a fantastic striker, a fantastic target player for the team. But if you score this kind of goal, it gets seen all over the world!
"I knew his qualities. There was a lot of talk in Holland wondering if he could show that at Premier League level. He's showing that and I'm proud to have him in the team.
"The player has a lot of qualities. He knows what he has to do to bring that level, and that's important."
And on Bertrand's goal, Koeman said: "It was very good... forwards have to score, but if you have midfielders and defenders scoring, that brings points.
"We know it was Clyney the other day, and now Bertrand - they have the freedom to play offensively and it's nice to see the goal."
Sadio Mane turned in an impressive Premier League debut. Koeman said: "He was showing his qualities. He can't yet play 90 minutes, he has to adapt, but he's so fast. He created a lot. He was a little bit unlucky in the first half. It's a great signing for us."
Asked if Southampton can maintain their winning form, the Dutchman responded: "We try! We try to keep this up and that starts every day in the morning. To have focus, ambition and to show our qualties.
"We know we can lose one time, two times, or three... but we have to believe in our way of playing."
