SOUTHAMPTON boss Ronald Koeman felt a half-time tactical change helped to keep Burnley at bay in the Saints’ 2-0 win at St Mary’s this afternoon.
The Clarets had a number of chances in the first half but trailed at the interval thanks to Shane Long’s close-range strike.
The home side then introduced holding midfielder Victor Wanyama for Dusan Tadic, switching to one up front, and controlled the second half.
Jason Shackell’s own goal made it 2-0, and the Clarets never looked like getting back into the game after that.
“We played very well in the second half,” Koeman said.
“I think the first half was a little bit more difficult. They got some good chances, we had good chances to score more than one goal.
“But we had total control in the second half with good attacking and good chances.
“Victor has nine yellow cards so it was a good moment to change it today and play a little more attacking than normal.
“But after half time it was a good moment to change that. We were a little bit more physical and had more control in midfield and it was good because in the second half we played really good football.”
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