Graziano Pellé has said he felt Southampton took advantage of Chelsea’s lack of confidence with a dominant second-half display at Stamford Bridge.

Southampton’s spirit too strong for Mourinho’s men

Pellé rounded off what was a memorable victory for Ronald Koeman’s side, after goals from Steven Davis and Sadio Mane had put them 2-1 up.

The Italian striker has now scored seven goals in 12 games so far this season in all competition and, after the game, he praised a great display in the second 45. “We didn’t start really well but we have confidence in ourselves. We knew we could profit a bit about the moment of Chelsea,” Pellé said.

He added that Chelsea are "not really in the best form", saying the Saints profitted from that and "[Southampton] did really well in the second half especially". The Italian also described the squad as "really happy" following the win.

Pellé set up the equaliser for Davis and felt this was a crucial moment in the match, “If Chelsea go in from the first half winning they could be a bit more confident, but it was perfect to score in that moment."

However, he was reluctant to put the spotlight on his own performance, "Again, it was a great performance from the whole team and we did a great job.”

The striker rounded off the scoring from a fast counter attack involving strike partner Mane, and the 30-year-old was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet. “It was a good counter attack,” the striker recalls. “We intercept the ball in midfield and I give the ball to Sadio because he’s a bit faster."

Koeman gives all the credit to Southampton

Ronald Koeman also gave his thoughts on what he thought was a totally deserving win for the Saints: “I’m very proud of the players. I think a difficult start in the game, a little bit the same as last season, 1-0 down and difficulties in the beginning."

He added, “I think after the 1-1 it was an important moment to score that." Koeman then went on to say why he felt things changed, "I think the difference between the first half and the second half was how we came out of the dressing room – really aggressive to press and to play good football."

The Dutchman concluded, "We were the better team, we had the better chances in the game and totally deserved the win.”