St Mary's is 'special' for Southampton -Eckert

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert is hoping his team can maintain their strong home form at a “special” St Mary’s throughout the Championship season.

Saints have started the campaign well at home, winning all three of their league matches on the south coast against Stoke City, Millwall and, on Tuesday night, a Swansea City side who had been top of the table going into the game.

Goals from Finn Azaz, Cyle Larin and Leo Scienza capped an impressive display as Eckert’s side ended the Swans’ unbeaten start to the season.

“I think St Mary’s is special for us and it needs to stay special all season,” he told BBC Radio Solent after the game.

“The pitch is in unbelievable condition. It gives us a surface where we can play the football that we are just very good at.

“You play against top of the league. You can respect what they have done in the previous games, but then at the same time we need to show that we are Southampton and this is St Mary’s. I think that was important tonight.”

Southampton sit 12th in the table with two draws and a loss to go with their three victories.

The Saints would be joint top if not for starting the season on minus four points, a punishment they were handed for the Spygate scandal.

Eckert’s team are next in Championship action on Saturday when they host Bristol City at St Mary’s.