Shane Long: Southampton striker hits back at Saints' critics

Shane Long has started nine times and scored twice for Southampton in the Premier League since signing from Hull City in August

Southampton striker Shane Long has hit back at critics who claimed the Saints' bubble had burst, saying they "don't have a clue".

Ronald Koeman's side ended a run of five successive defeats with a 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Long said: "I think lots of people don't have a clue what they are talking about, saying stuff like that.

"I think if you'd come to watch us and seen the games, you would be happy with the performances."

Southampton slipped out of the Premier League's top four and last week went out of the Capital One Cup to League One side Sheffield United as their fine start to the season faded.

But Republic of Ireland international Long, 25, insists the situation is not as bad as suggested by critics.

He added: "You'd be disappointed with the results, like we were, but we knew that if we kept doing the right things that things would turn our way and we'd get that rub of the green and take our chances when they come.

"That was the case against Everton. I think after the first goal we kind of played a bit more freely and caused them a lot of problems."

Southampton lost just two of their first 12 Premier League games this season following the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager before a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the end of November triggered a run of four league defeats.