Southgate was delighted with the character shown by his players, typified by skipper Emanuel Pogatetz.
The 25-year-old Austrian played after pain-killing injections for a shoulder injury, just as he had done at Hull the previous weekend, to enhance his standing in the dressing room.
Southgate: "He wants to get out there and represent this football club. That just tells you about his leadership qualities.
"His own welfare is secondary, and that's a great attitude to have for the rest of the team.
"Statistically he is usually our best defender and he leads the team.
"Physically he is prepared to put his body on the line, and when you are trying to keep the ball out of your net, that's an important asset to have."