SAINTS forward Adam Armstrong admitted Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Bristol City is "tough to take" but is hopeful the loss is just a "blip".

The Robins scored three second-half goals to end Southampton's 25-match unbeaten run on a difficult night at Ashton Gate.

The Geordie striker netted his 16th Championship goal of the season on his 100th club appearance late in added time - but there wasn't enough time to mount another comeback.

Armstrong insisted it is important the players stick together and react positively in the upcoming matches.

He told the Daily Echo: "It was a tough one to take. I’ve said in a few interviews before that 25 games is incredible. I think it just shows how far the club has come that everyone is devastated.

"Look where we’ve been when we got beat in those four games (earlier in the season). Look how far we have come.

"I just said to the boys it’s about sticking together now and hopefully it’s a little blip in the road and we can really kick on again."

The 27 year old believes that sloppiness was to blame for the defeat, while also acknowledging Bristol City's efficiency in front of goal.

He claimed: "I think we were just sloppy on the ball. They punished us on the chances that they had.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game. It was just one of them games. It’s about how we react now as a team, as a group, as fans.

"We’re learning every day. All of the games that we have won, we’ve been learning. Nothing changes tonight.

"Luckily enough in this league, the games come thick and fast. It will be a tough game Friday and we’ll be raring to go."

Tuesday's defeat meant that Leeds United leapfrogged Saints into second in the Championship - with Daniel Farke's men winning 4-0 at Swansea City.

Saints travel to West Bromwich Albion on Friday, allowing them to climb back into the automatic promotion spots - as they play before rivals Leeds United this weekend.

Armstrong was proud to make his 100th appearance for Saints during the defeat but he reiterated how vital it is to "bounce back" due to the competitive nature of the league.

He added: "You can’t dwell on the game and as professionals, we have to go again and keep putting in the performances.

"We know as a group now that we have to keep performing because this league is relentless. We’re at the top of the table for a reason.

"We really need to kick on for the last part of the season. It’s still in our hands.

"I’m a senior player in the dressing room and we’ve got to get the lads together and go again Friday night. The squad that we have got now is incredible and it’s about how we bounce back."