Tonda Eckert calls it ‘crunch time’ after Southampton win at Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said it is “crunch time” for his side after their 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Goals from defenders James Bree, Ryan Manning and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were enough to give the Saints all three points, with Jerry Yates’ first goal for the Owls proving to be just a consolation.

Eckert said: “Overall I’m happy with the performance and the result. It’s not easy to come here but it was important we got the win today.

“We spend a lot of time in training on dead-ball situations; we know how important they are going in both directions.

“They defended in a deep block so we hoped to get some set-pieces off the back of that. Our defenders being aggressive at set-pieces came in handy today.

“We have good quality on the pitch but we can still improve in some moments of the game today. We scored from three set-pieces so it’s good to know we have a variation of ways to score goals.

“In every game, every week and every month there are small margins in the Championship and we know there is still a long way to go.

“It’s been a good few weeks for the football club in general but it’s crunch time now. We have to keep going game after game, keep our heads down, keep working and be humble.

“It is not easy for Sheffield Wednesday. We saw the support they have today and it speaks for the gravity of the club. I’m sure they will come back up.”

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen said his boys gave everything they have against “the strongest squad in the league”.

Pedersen said: “I think the boys played a strong game today against the strongest squad in the league. They have so much individual quality but I think we started the game well.

“This was our third game in six days and the boys were tired after getting back late from Norwich in midweek but we still wanted to press high. I feel Southampton didn’t create much in the first half so it’s sad we conceded from the set-pieces.

“In the second half, we changed some things. Our press was even higher up and more aggressive. We really gave it a go and we showed big heart and big intensity and we scored a good goal.

“Our reaction after the third goal shows the mentality in the boys. They kept on going and we created chances, we showed a lot of positive things.

“Of course it’s disappointing to concede three set-pieces because I feel we competed so well in open play. Against a team like Southampton, everything has to be perfect.

“The atmosphere in the stadium today was absolutely amazing. The fans did not stop supporting the players and we could feel the positivity on the pitch. It gave them all such a big lift.

“We know we are relegated but we are still here to win games and we are here to give our fans good performances. We want to get back on to positive points.

“I said to the players, ‘I hate losing these football games but I’m so proud of you’. They gave everything they have which I have said a lot this season.”