Tuesday 31 January 2017 23:26, UK
Swansea City deserved to beat Southampton at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night, according to Saints manager Claude Puel.
The Swans won 2-1 to move away from the relegation zone, with Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring the winner 20 minutes from time.
It was the home side's greater efficiency in front of goal that was the difference between the two sides, according to the Frenchman.
"I am of course disappointed," said Puel. "The first half was not sufficient for us, there was not enough quality on our crosses and shots.
"The quality in the second half was better, with more chances created, without us being clinical enough. But congratulations to Swansea, who deserved the win.
"But it is not sufficient for us, the second half was better for us, but it was too late.
"You cannot take any positives when you lose a game, all the players had some possibilities, which we saw in the second half. But as I said, it was not sufficient for us in the first half. There was not enough application, which is not like us.
"Second half was a good reaction by us, a good try, Swansea did not have any opportunities, other than on the counterattack, but they were clinical tonight and were rewarded."
The Saints' defeat leaves them in a mid-table position, with Puel targeting a win in their next Premier League game against West Ham United at St Mary's on Saturday.
"We had the ability at the beginning of the game to make chances, but it was not a good application by us in the first half and we know the will of the opponent," he said. "And now we need to prepare for the next game with spirit and aggressiveness."
