RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted “it is not surprising that teams come closer” when asked if he’s looking over his shoulder in the Premier League following the Norwich defeat.

The 2-1 loss at Carrow Road came as other sides below Saints picked up points with Aston Villa and Watford picking up convincing wins, and the likes Brentford and Burnley claiming score-draws.

Saints had been unbeaten in four in the Premier League and on the ascendancy, but a disappointing defeat to the side who were rock-bottom, with a trip to Liverpool up next, has put a stop to that.

And with many of the teams below also employing new managers following the week of sackings at the start of the international break, we could see a resurgence of a few that might have Saints concerned.

“It is not surprising when you don’t win that teams behind you come closer,” Hasenhuttl said, speaking after the match.

“We know that we have a battle here (Norwich) but it was possible today to take the three points, everything was going in our direction.

“But in the Premier League to win games it has to be more than a half where you play well. But we need to step up, learn and change it.”