Alfie Jones says Southampton’s Under-23 side head to Sunderland in good spirits following their opening two matches of the Premier League 2 season.
Saints are second in the table following victories over Liverpool and Manchester United, with Jones in confident mood that they can extend their perfect start to the campaign on Wearside.
“We’re really pleased,” Jones said of the start to the season.
“It’s been a good start and one we wanted. Picking up six points and two good results against two very big clubs so we’re pleased, and we want to carry on that form.”
Manchester United were seen off 2-0 at St Mary’s last Monday, with the robust defensive display giving the squad a boost ahead of this weekend.
“We were very satisfied,” said Jones. “It was a very professional performance from us.
“We managed to control the game for the 90 minutes and we didn’t concede either, which is always a positive as a team and as a defender myself. We scored two good goals so we can take that onto the next few games.
“It’s a massive lift because of the clubs we got the results against in and it’s given us a boost to take into the next game against Sunderland.
“As a defender I’m always looking to keep a clean sheet and it’s one of the main priorities that I have, which gives us confidence going into the next few games.”
Sunderland finished runners-up in the former Under-21 league last season, and Jones is aware of the Black Cats’ threat.
“They’re always a test for us,” he noted. “They’re a good team and normally play quite a lot of older players. They’re quite a physical team so it will be a bit of a battle, but we’ll look to make our mark on the game.”
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