Southampton manager Claude Puel has lauded debutante Manolo Gabbiadini after his goal against West Ham today.
The Saints lost 3-1 to West Ham but Gabbiadini was able to score his first goal for the club following his deadline day move from Napoli.
Gabbiadini smashed in a wonderful goal on 12 minutes to hand them the lead. He raced onto a ball over the top before lashing the ball into the top left-corner.
However, it took West Ham two minutes to respond. Andy Carroll was sent clean through and he slotted the ball past Fraser Forster.
West Ham then took the lead late in the first half when Kouyate’s low drive from 30-yards somehow managed to find a way past Forster, who was slow to get down.
The win was then sealed when Mark Noble’s free-kick early in the second half was diverted into his own net by Saints captain Steven Davis.
Speaking to Southampton’s website, Puel said this about Gabbiadini:
It’s a pity we lost this game when you saw this fantastic goal. I’m satisfied and I enjoyed his game because he’s a strong player with quality.
He can give solution between the lines and behind the lines also. On the crosses he is always available.
It’s a very good player to play to find him between the lines but to score and give assists for the future.
