Ronald Koeman hailed Dusan Tadic as the man who made the difference as Saints picked up their first Premier League win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Norwich.

The Saints boss had labelled the game against the Canaries as a must win after a shaky start to the league campaign and an exit from Europe on Thursday night.

His side responded by producing an excellent display from the start at St Mary’s, and picked up what proved a comfortable win.

Dusan Tadic, one of the few bright sparks in the defeat in Denmark, was recalled to the starting line-up, bagged two goals and looked back to his best.

A delighted Koeman said: “He came in last Thursday on a good level and today he made the difference in the team with Sadio.

“Of course the good organisation, the clean sheet in the team.

“We need that kind of players to make the game open.

“He is creative, good crosses, good football, clever boy and happy about his performance.”

Norwich simply had no answer to the creativity of wide pairing Tadic and Sadio Mane, and the two of them destroyed the Canaries.

“It was not only the left side but the right side we had some good attacking football,” admitted Koeman.

“With Sadio if he takes good position on the right time, the right moment, he can play and he can run and he can do his movements then it’s a very good player.”

It was certainly a relief for Koeman to see his side head into the international break with a first win of the campaign on the board, which lifted them into the top half of the club.

Koeman was asked how much the win was needed and smiled: “A lot. Of course you know football. If you don’t win you get critics. That’s normal. I understand.

“Of course, after the big disappointment last Thursday first of all was important really to show the team spirit and if you show that you show your qualities.

“At home we have always chances to win the game and the important was how we start the game - very aggressive, good football, good chances, and the sent off has a certain impact in the game.

“Before already we were the dominating team, the best chances and important 1-0 before half time makes it more easier in the second half.”

Saints never looked likely to get anything other than three points after Steven Whittaker received a second yellow card and Koeman felt the referee had no choice but to send him off after he dragged back Tadic.

“I don’t think so,” said Koeman.

“I saw the movement of Dusan and really the fault of the defender.

“In my opinion the referee took the right decision at that time.”