Manager Claude Puel has spoken of similar frustrations following the one all draw with Sunderland at the weekend.
Welcoming David Moyes’ side to St Mary’s Stadium for the last Premier League action ahead of the international break, despite a number of clear cut chances, Southampton had to come from behind in the end with a late goal from Jay Rodriguez to secure the point.
With better chances on the day and clear dominance in possession, Puel was left frustrated that again it wasn’t all three points as he spoke to saintsfc in his post game press interviews.
‘Again I offer the same analogy – we lacked goals. It`s difficult and it`s a disappointment this afternoon because my players give all their energy with a good spirit and a good attitude. It`s a shame to take this game and not be rewarded this afternoon for all of the situations. It`s the same as the first two games for us. It is important to score goals because it means you take the points, but also this afternoon we had to try not to concede, and the one situation they had they scored from a penalty. We started the game fantastically, but we needed to score in this moment. I think it was unlucky, but we have to continue to work hard after the break. It`s not a system, it`s just to score goals. We had possibilities to score, but we had to show good quality for this team to take the points.’
With Rodriguez getting the leveller, Puel was pleased to see him on the scoresheet given his injury troubles in recent years.
‘I am happy for Jay Rodriguez because to score is very important for him and for us after his two seasons with injuries. It`s great to see him scoring again. That will give him the confidence too.’
Puel also said that with Charlie Austin taking the starting spot, he felt he had deserved his opportunity in the game.
‘At the beginning of the season in the friendly games and also the training sessions, Charlie did well and it was very interesting. I think his profile always is to be in the area. We know against Sunderland we had to play against a team behind on the counter attack and without space it is difficult for Shane Long. With Charlie it was interesting to start this game. We can see many solutions with the substitutes also making a good entrance. It`s important to respect all of the players because it`s a team and not just 11 players. We will play every three days after the international break and it`s important to have everybody together.’
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