Ryan Bertrand: Southampton were confident of beating Arsenal in the EFL Cup

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Simon Johnson1 December 2016

Ryan Bertrand says Southampton were confident of beating Arsenal going into last night’s EFL Cup clash.

Bertrand won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League with Chelsea, but is dreaming of helping Southampton lift the EFL Cup at Wembley in February following their 2-0 victory at the Emirates.

Southampton, who bought the 27-year-old from Chelsea for £10m in February 2015, have never won the League Cup. They were beaten finalists in 1979, with their only major trophy being the FA Cup in 1976.

But with the Saints in League One just five years ago, Bertrand says it will be an achievement to be proud of.

“I have won big trophies with Chelsea," he said. "But it would be massive to win something with Southampton too. It would be great for the club.

“They have had a massive run from when they were in League One and as soon as the switch was turned, they have had success after success. Silverware is not overdue, but this is the right time to lift a trophy.

“Any chance you get to win silverware in professional football, you have to take it with both hands. As a kid you take it for granted.”

Arsenal, who made 10 changes from the side that beat Bournemouth on Sunday, were outplayed for long periods and struggled to respond once Jordy Clasie put the visitors in front in the 13th minute.

Bertrand doubled their advantage eight minutes before the break and Claude Puel's side were able to keep Arsene Wenger’s men at bay in the second half.

The England international admitted Southampton were confident about beating Arsenal from the start and said:

“Since I have been at the club, every time we have played Arsenal, we have done well. We got off to a good start and managed to win the game.

“In the first half we were in control, the second they had nothing to lose and committed a few more men forward.

“When games are in the balance against Arsenal it's difficult because they have lots of good movement and a lot of players running into difficult situations.

“But in the second half, we created two or three clear cut chances as well, which we were unfortunate not to take.”

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