Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was delighted with their 1-0 win over Stoke City.
After putting eight past Sunderland last week, Sadio Mane was the only goalscorer for Saints.
"It was difficult because we didn't kill the game," the Dutchman said.
"We created eight good chances and you know if you don't score the second one it's difficult.
"Stoke put everything in, changed the system after an hour and with the physical strength that they have it was difficult.
"Football is strange because the first half was much better than last week. I think it was one of the best first halves of the season.
"In the second half we lost sometimes too easy our position.
"They didn't create a lot, we deserved our win but it was a difficult one, more difficult than last week and maybe more nicer to win like this than last week because the lads showed great character and great ambition again.
"We had a great support of our fans and a great win."
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