Ronald Koeman has suggested that the best team won after his Southampton side edged out managerless Aston Villa 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.

Second-half goals from Maya Yoshida and Graziano Pelle did the damage as the Saints put a mixed first 45 minutes behind them to beat a Villans side under the stewardship of caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.

"We had a difficult start. The first half was not good. We were too slow on the ball at the back," he told the Saints' official website.

"We were more aggressive after the break. Our pressing in midfield was better and that made the difference. We totally dominated the second half.

"We scored a great first goal that opened up the game and the second goal was very good as well. It is a pity that we conceded a late goal, but the most important thing is that we are through to the next round."

Koeman's side host Liverpool in the next round.