For Claude Puel the overriding emotion after his first game in charge of Saints was disappointment as he admitted it was two points dropped against Watford.

A poor first half cost Saints, as they fell behind early in the game and struggled to get anything going against a Watford side who quickly retreated to protect what they had.

Puel was much happier with the second half showing, but still frustrated that his team couldn’t find a winner after Nathan Redmond had levelled things up and Watford had been reduced to ten men.

He said: “The first game for me at the final it was just disappointment because this afternoon we lost two points.

“We can see a good second half with many situations, but the first half for me was no good with bad situations.

“We didn’t play in the first time with the qualities of my players. It’s not normal.

“It was better in the second time and I liked the reaction of my players.”

Puel admitted he was a little unsure as to exactly why his side performed as they did in the first half against Watford, but did at least take consolation in the reaction of his players.

“I don’t know but I think first game in front of our fans was a little difficult with young players also,” he reflected.

“You don’t interest in the game in the 45 minutes and we have one opportunity for the opponent and it was sufficient for him to score.

“It’s difficult after with the strong physical, powerful, to find a situation.

“The second half we can see another team, other players who take their responsibility and this is interesting for the future and the next games.

“It is disappointment because in the second half we can see one team in defence and one team in attack with many many situations and the second goal would be interesting for us of course.”

Daily Echo:

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