Slaven delivers his delighted verdict

Slaven Bilic couldn’t speak highly enough of the Irons performance declaring: “The guys were fantastic, we had a game plan and they executed it in the best way. We were solid behind the ball, we kept the ball, attacked well and it was a great team performance.

“We have a team that is working hard for each other. We have a brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room, not because Payet left, but because we have won six of nine. It is a crazy league and there are 42 points to play for. There are crazy results and that is why we have to keep playing as we are.”

He described Andy Carroll as “a matured man” adding He is happy, stable, has got three kids. The key is that and the number of training sessions. The best prevention of injuries is training.”

And he was pleased for Jose Fonte on his return to St Mary’s saying “It is good to find out some inside things and he helped us with that.

It was very special for him and to come here and play so good it makes it a little bit more special for him than the other guys.”