Club news

Opposition View: Southampton

By Kieran Cleeves • 01 February 2018

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino felt his team took hold of the game after going behind against Brighton & Hove Albion, but were unable to produce the quality needed in front of goal.

Jack Stephens netted in the second half to equalise for the Saints, but Pellegrino was left frustrated after his players failed to find a second goal - as Albion’s defence held strong.

He said, “I think in the first 15 minutes they were a little bit better in direct play. They won some second balls and from this situation we conceded a penalty.

“After the goal, we totally controlled the game, but we couldn’t play quick enough to break through their defenders.

“Little by little they would drop, and for us it was really difficult to find the space to create more chances.”

Pellegrino highlighted his team’s comfort in defending against Albion’s attack at St Mary’s, before talking about the importance of winning games in the fight against relegation.

“We were patient and well organised because I don’t remember many actions from them, so in defence we controlled them - well most of the time.

“In this situation, every single victory is massive, but we have to keep pushing and on Saturday we have another opportunity.”