---
title: "Confidence is key – Stekelenburg"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/11/08/confidence-key-stekelenburg/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "News"
published: "2015-11-08T12:36:39Z"
modified: "2015-11-08T12:36:39Z"
---

# Confidence is key – Stekelenburg

Southampton’s Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has [put](https://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20151108-maarten-stekelenburg-post-sunderland-southampton-2790558.aspx) Southampton’s sublime away form this season down to the confidence in their play and mentality.

They extended their unbeaten away start to the season yesterday with a 1-0 victory of Premier League stragglers Sunderland, courtesy of a Dusan Tadic penalty. It means Southampton sit in seventh and have won six of their last eight games in all competitions.

It was also back to back clean sheets for the Dutch international Stekelenburg, who has acclaimed their fine form down to the sheer confidence currently in the Saints dressing room.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/11/491139168.jpg)

It was a shaky start to the Premier League season, with Saints looking very unconvincing against Newcastle and Everton, as they drew 2-2 and lost 3-0, however, they have only lost one game since then and have failed to be beaten away from home in all competitions as well.

Speaking after the match, Stekelenburg had this to say:

> I think it’s just confidence.

> I think also at home we play with confidence.

> Earlier in the season we had some problems to get in our game, for example Everton and \[Manchester\] United.

> United was a little bit better, but I think after the United loss we needed a win – Norwich we did well \[in a 3-0 home win\], and then the confidence came. It’s all about confidence.

> We knew beforehand it was going to be a difficult game – you just know after their 6-2 loss at Everton there was going to be a reaction.

> I think we played a good first half. First half we didn’t create a lot of chances, but I think in the end we deserved to win.