RALPH Hasenhuttl explained his decision not to make any changes at half-time during the 2-0 loss to Burnley, insisting: “I gave them another chance as we had shown them the space we can use.”

Saints fell to a dismal defeat in Lancashire after an early Connor Roberts stunner was followed up by a Nathan Collins header before half-time, to see the visitors two behind.

Aside from a bright opening 15 minutes, Saints were bullied by a stronger and more determined Burnley outfit despite starting unchanged from the Arsenal win – with five defenders.

They could have been four or more down, however, Hasenhuttl opted against switching any personnel or the shape at half-time and only made his first substitution after 66 minutes.

Nathan Redmond and Che Adams were introduced and it began to look more promising, but the Scottish international forward could not finish either of two strong chances.

And explaining his hesitancy to make the changes in his team, Hasenhuttl insisted: “I gave them another 10/15 minutes a chance to change things as we had shown them where the spaces are we can use, what we want to do.

“At half-time I could change 11 players, or 10 maybe as Fraser (Forster) is separate, but when you start like this against Burnley it is tough to come back.

“The second-half was a little better but far away from deserving anything today.”

Burnley picked up just a fifth win of the Premier League season as they face a relegation scrap with Everton, and could still play Championship football this season.

Meanwhile, Saints remain one point behind Brighton in the top-half, ahead of a visit to the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

Explaining how Saints become undone by the struggling Clarets, who are under temporary control by under-23s boss Michael Jackson after Sean Dyche’s sacking, he added: “Because you are not defending out in the red zone brave enough.

“Normally we are closing from the front much better, but we have been always too late. Also, the reverse gear was not good enough today.

“When you lose the ball and jog back it is not enough and this is what it looks like again.”