Ralph Hasenhuttl feels Saints are in a good position to attack the FA Cup this year, after they dumped holders Arsenal out this afternoon.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said “First half, very good I think. After a few moments in the beginning with the pressing, we had to adjust it a little bit. It was better after the first 10 minutes I think. We had a few good moments with the ball but the decision-making was not always the best, otherwise we could’ve scored a little bit more often in the first half. But we went in 1-0 up at half-time and then in the second half we were under a little bit more pressure and I think there was a little bit less football. We could’ve been better in this part of the game. You always know when you lose the ball they (Arsenal) have quality on the pitch. But we have shown why we deserved this win because we invested a lot.”
Following victories over Shrewsbury and now the Gunners, Saints will now head to Wolves next month, looking to book their spot in the quarter-finals. An own goal from Gabriel secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at St Mary’s and Hasenhuttl feels his side were good value for their victory.
Having given minutes to some youngsters and fringe players in midweek, Hasenhuttl reverted to a strong XI with the likes of Danny Ings, Kyle Walker-Peters and Stuart Armstrong all returning to the team. And given his side sit comfortably in ninth in the Premier League table, well clear of the relegation zone, Hasenhuttl believes this season offers a good chance to keep progressing in the cup.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said “This is the FA Cup and we are this season in a better position in the table so we don’t have to rest any players, because we are not in a relegation battle. The league is on Tuesday, today is the FA Cup and for us it is a competition where we want to go as far as possible. Although we have a lot of injured players, for me this is an important part of the season.”
