PETERBOROUGH boss Gary Johnson admitted his side deserved to be thrashed by Saints yesterday.

The Posh slumped to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Nigel Adkins’ men, who were in rampant mood at St Mary’s.

Under-fire Johnson had no complaints about the result and conceded his side were second best in every area.

“It was a difficult afternoon,” he said.

“Southampton came out of the traps well and just all sections didn’t perform.

“We didn’t defend properly, we didn’t win the midfield battle, and we didn’t hold it up up-front.

“That’s really the scenario of the day and they [Saints] have done all that.

“The best team won on the day and we’ve got a little bit of work to do.”