Hojberg impressed with Saints’ defensive shape

Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojberg believes that good defensive structure starts with the strikers, after a second consecutive Premier League clean sheet on Sunday.

A first-minute Charlie Austin goal was enough to get all three points against Everton on Sunday afternoon, and move Saints to within five points of the European places.

It was Southampton’s ninth clean sheet of the season and follows an impressive display to keep free-scoring Liverpool out the week before.

But it was the first win for Southampton in the league since their 3-1 victory over Burnley back in mid-October, and for Hjoberg it is the defensive shape brought in by Claude Puel that is paying dividends for his team.

“Once we have the chance up front we need to win and to score them. But in the end you need to know when you also need to defend well and be solid,” he said.

(Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

“We showed again we are a very solid team. The back four had a fantastic match but the whole team was pressing fantastic, which the coach mentioned.

“Even the strikers were pressing and helping the team to make the job easier for us.

“I think it was a step up. We didn’t win for a couple of games and now we got it. A clean sheet and a 1-0 is always the sign of a good team.”