Russell Martin hailed his players for keeping Southampton’s unbeaten run going via the late goal that secured a 1-1 FA Cup draw at Watford.
It had looked as though Matheus Martins’ early free-kick might turn out to be enough for the Hornets but substitute Stuart Armstrong’s leveller ensured there will be a replay at St Mary’s and extended Saints’ club-record run to 22 matches dating back to September.
The winners will travel to Liverpool in the last 16, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having beaten Norwich 5-2 at Anfield in another tie that was on the go when the fifth-round draw was made.
Manager Martin made nine changes to his usual league line-up but the second-half introduction of four experienced faces saw the tie saved.
He said of his players: “They have amazing mentality, they were relentless in the second half and the last half-hour in particular. They just won’t accept being beat, which is an amazing trait for any team to have and they deserved that.
“The goal was a rubbish one to concede, really poor. I said to the guys at half-time we just lacked a bit of aggression. There was a lot of disappointment because they wanted so badly to take their opportunity.
“We took that frustration into the second half and the guys who came on had a real impact in the game. We scored a little bit too late but we still kept trying to win it.
“It was a proper cup tie and the atmosphere was great. We had 4,000 fans on a Sunday afternoon in not the most glamorous of cup ties against a club in the same division that we have already played once this season.”
Martin felt the prospect of a trip to Anfield would be a big incentive for both sides to win the replay.
He said: “To play at Liverpool is a huge opportunity in Jurgen Klopp’s last season as manager. We have a number of players coming back from injury who will hopefully be ready for that game as well.”
Watford manager Valerien Ismael, who had made six changes, was disappointed his players could not hold out for the win.
But he argued holding Saints to successive 1-1 draws in the space of a few weeks – Watford scoring a late equaliser of their own on December 9 – was an achievement in itself.
“We needed a second goal – or to keep a clean sheet,” he said. “We were solid, disciplined and well-organised and over the the 90 minutes the mentality and the desire was there.
“The only thing I will say is we need to be more composed. We lost the ball too many times. If you want to become a top team you need to control the ball.
“At the end we put on players who are not fit at the moment and you could see the pace dropped but they need game time.
“We competed well against them, for the second time at home.
“We had quite a lot of chances, we were very dangerous but we ran out of energy to push and get the clean sheet to win the game.
“It showed we are able to compete with them. The second game will be interesting.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man United are monitoring Nicolas Jackson Arsenal & Sporting CP now Mbeumo waiting for Manchester United to agree on the transfer fee with Brentford. lol CUCURELLA Trophy won by London Clubs this season Joao Pedro replies to an Arsenal fan who asked him to come to Arsena! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, o...
The 22-year-old struggled for regular game time at Liverpool last season, and they are prepared to provide him with an exit route. The Englishman was outstanding during the under-21 Euros earlier this summer, and he was one of the best players in the tournament.He needs to play regularly to fulfil his tremendous potential. Staying at Liverpool might be detrimental to his development. It remains to...
The Premier League champions made their first move to sign the Sweden international from Newcastle United this week and are prepared to smash the British transfer record again to bring him to Anfield.Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz for a record £116million from Bayer Leverkusen and their huge spending is showing no signs of slowing with the club set to reach out to Rodrygo to disc...
According to a report from Argentine publication TYC Sports, the two clubs are currently in talks to get the deal done. It remains to be seen whether they can finalise an agreement quickly. The report claims that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has personally requested the club to sign the World Cup winner. Aston Villa are also looking at alternatives. Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on Martine...
Galatasaray in 'cold war' with Napoli over Osimhen transferGalatasaray are reportedly locked in a transfer 'cold war' with Napoli over signing Victor Osimhen permanently.Villa's Jackson pursuit would 'trigger' Chelsea bid for RogersAston Villa's reported pursuit of Nicolas Jackson would 'immediately trigger' Chelsea making a counter offer for Morgan Rogers.Man Utd eye Garnacho-Jackson swap dealMan...
Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World CupJude Bellingham has taken a decisive step in his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury by undergoing surgery to correct a recurring dislocation. The Real Madrid midfielder had been dealing with the issue since late 2023, often seen with heavy strapping on his shoulder as he played through discomfort.WHAT HAPPENED?According to medical assessments,...
Mourinho DuranFenerbahce have responded to claims that Jose Mourinho has already fallen out with 'disrespectful' new signing Jhon Duran on day one of pre-season.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Spanish publication Marca, Mourinho gave an angry interview to reporters after Duran was absent for the first day of Fenerbahce's pre-season following his loan move from Al-Nassr. The Spanish outlet attributed qu...
Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA SportsRodrygo could be the beneficiary amid Vinicius Jr.'s contract standoff with Real Madrid, as the club could consider selling the No.7 this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tensions are rising at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr. pushes for a significant pay raise and a hefty renewal bonus that could exceed the club’s wage ceiling. His demands come amid the arrival o...
Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025Kylian Mbappe has marked the first anniversary of his arrival at Real Madrid with a heartfelt message to the club, expressing appreciation for the continued support since his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar completed his long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and made an immediate impact in Spain.Kylian Mbappe Real Mad...
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier LeagueFenerbahce are reportedly prepared to wait on Marcus Rashford despite the Manchester United outcast setting his sights on a Barcelona move.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Turkish outlet Hurriyet, via Sport Witness, Fenerbahce manager and ex-United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on being reunited with Rashford. Although the 27-year-old is eyeing a Barcelona swit...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 3 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Rashford becomes new club's 'priority target'
- 6 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife
- 7 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 8 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed
- 9 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 10 Erling Haaland rides banana boat on Ibiza holiday