Claude Puel hoping Saints can build on Anfield result

Southampton boss Claude Puel is urging his players to build on their draw at Anfield with a positive result against Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The Saints produced a stubborn 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Sunday with keeper Fraser Forster denying James Milner from the penalty spot.

And the matches don’t get any easier for Puel’s men as they face Arsenal at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening.

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“We know Arsenal. It’s always a great team with fantastic offensive players,” he said.

“But I think we can do a good game against this team – to keep, of course, a good structure, to defend together and to prevent chances.

“But also to have the ball and the possibility in the final third to find the clinical edge and to produce good football. It’s important also in front of our fans to show our qualities.”

Southampton’s form had stuttered after a frustrating draw at home to Hull City and the Reds boss believes it was imperative his side bounced back at Anfield.

The Frenchman added: “It was a good result for the confidence.

“It was important after our game against Hull City to show something, with all this good work and with intensity.

“It was a strong game, with a strong defensive unit, and in the spirit it was very interesting, because all the players did fantastic work together.

“For the spirit and the solidarity it was a strong game. Now it’s another game, and another game at home, against another team and it will be important to have good possession, good possibilities to attack.”