Southampton boss Claude Puel rues missed opportunity against Stoke
Wednesday 14 December 2016 23:38, UK
Southampton boss Claude Puel admits his side missed out on a golden opportunity against Stoke on Wednesday night.
The Saints played against 10 men for almost 70 minutes at the Bet365 Stadium after Marko Arnautovic was sent off midway through the first half.
However, Puel's side rarely threatened Lee Grant's goal, despite dominating possession throughout the match, and were held to a frustrating goalless draw.
"It was a good opportunity to take three points tonight, 11 against 10," Puel said.
"We tried to find space against an opponent who has all their players in the final 30. It's always difficult to find space and solutions.
"We were unlucky with some situations but in the end we lost two points and it's a shame."
Southampton have struggled to score goals throughout the season and looked toothless without top-scorer Charlie Austin leading the line.
Austin is likely to be out of action for up to fourth months with a shoulder injury but Puel refused to confirm if he intends to bring in cover during the January transfer window.
"We will see. For the moment it is important to stay with good focus, good concentration about our games with Bournemouth and Tottenham," he said.
"After this we will see in the future. I think we have a solution with different players but tonight there was not enough quality, or technical control.
"With little space it is difficult to play in this conditions and we didn't make enough pressure on this team.
"It's a disappointment but it's one point away from home and we take this."
Southampton return to action against local rivals Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
