RALPH Hasenhuttl has explained his decision to play Ibrahima Diallo as his advanced ‘10’ on the right, insisting: “It was important to have a player who can win it for us when counter-attacking around the box.”

The 22-year-old Frenchman had a difficult start finding his feet in the new position, before a flurry of promise towards the end of the first-half.

The best of three chances he created, Diallo snatched the ball from Norwich in the midfield and played Che Adams through on goal – which could have seen Saints take the lead but for a top stop by Tim Krul.

But like the whole side, the performance faded again when coming out for the second-half, before changes were made to the shape.

It meant the likes of Nathan Tella were again overlooked, with the youngster not able to get any minutes on the pitch this time out.

Hasenhuttl explained his decision, saying: “I did it because I think it was important in the first half, against the ball to have a player who can win it for us when counter-attacking around the box.”

"I thought that he did it well but, yes, this is not his best position. In the number six he feels far more comfortable.

"We controlled the game very well and it is always the hardest thing, scoring when the opposition is well organised.

"We had the biggest chance pressing," he continued. "We had a high ball win and found Che (Adams) but they are never one hundred per cent goal chances.

"Che was good but he was a little tired by the end, he played during the week. I am happy he still scored."