Saints’ Rodriguez ‘deserves’ success after Bournemouth brace, says Puel

Southampton manager Claude Puel said striker Jay Rodriguez has “deserved” his rewards after his excellent brace sealed a 3-1 win over south coast rivals Bournemouth on Sunday.

Rodriguez slid home from close range after a slick Saints move after Ryan Bertrand had cancelled out Nathan Ake’s header for the hosts.

The Englishman’s second was a stunning 25-yard volley with the win propelling Puel’s men up to seventh in the Premier League.

Manager Puel said Rodriguez’s effort and attitude has earned him the chance of getting back among the goals, and added he could benefit from a run in the team in the absence of fellow marksman Charlie Austin through a shoulder injury.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

“It’s fantastic and it’s a good thing for the team,” Puel said.

“Jay can do strong work for three or four games after the injury to Charlie.

“He gives the good attitude, good work, good movement and good pressing every time.

“He deserves it and this is fantastic for him and for the team. All this gives him confidence for the future.

“The second goal came after the first, but the first gave him the confidence to try the second and it’s a fantastic goal.

“I am happy because we saw spontaneity and quality on the pitch in the final 30.”