Ronald Koeman hailed the impact of substitutes Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mané, as Southampton came from behind to beat Liverpool.

The duo were both introduced at half time by Saints boss Koeman, replacing Jordy Clasie and Dušan Tadić with the hosts trailing 2-0 to Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Despite missing a penalty shortly after his introduction, Mané netted Saints’ first and third, while Wanyama proved crucial in controlling the midfield during the second 45. Koeman told club’s official website: “I think it was first of all Victor (Wanyama) in the midfield. We needed to have a really strong player in that position, because we lost a little bit of the control in the midfield.

“We made the decision after half time. I think really we needed more physicality in the midfield. He was winning second balls and that gave everybody more confidence.

“Sadio is a different player, he is faster than Dušan and that’s what we tried to do, to play with him from the right, Shane [Long] from the left, with the midfielders supporting [Graziano] Pellè.

“That worked fantastic.”

And Koeman was delighted with the belief Mané showed, especially after missing the penalty.

“It’s been a difficult time for Sadio, because the player always likes to start and he didn’t start. It’s not always about one player. He showed great belief in himself and that’s the Sadio we like to see – scoring. He’s a fantastic player.”

Wanyama is set to fly to Guinea Bissau today where he will join  his Kenyan team mates ahead of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com