Mauricio Pellegrino rues missed chances after Southampton held at Huddersfield

Mauricio Pellegrino bemoaned Southampton's failure to convert their chances after they were held at Huddersfield on Saturday.

Nathan Redmond wasted an early one-on-one for the visitors while Ryan Bertrand saw a late header cleared off the line as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at the John Smith's Stadium.

Southampton have failed to score in eight of their last 11 Premier League games, scoring just seven goals from 144 shots in those matches.

Under Pellegrino, they have been held scoreless in three of their four matches in all competitions and the Saints boss wants better efficiency in front of goal.

On Bertrand's late opportunity, Pellegrino said: "It was an incredible action. We were really close to winning but this is football. It is efficiency, we had to score."

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Huddersfield largely dominated the first half and had chances themselves through Steve Mounie and Thomas Ince.

Pellegrino added: "It could have been three points, one point or nil because it was really tough in the beginning.

"Huddersfield are really well prepared especially in their style of play. The long ball and second ball and in crosses we were in trouble at some moments.

"At the same time we had two chances in the first half and in the end, the last 15 or 20 minutes, we put them under pressure with our chances.

"We had two or three clear chances. There were some moments for us and some moments for them."

Pellegrino also refused to be drawn on a late penalty appeal for James Ward-Prowse, who tumbled under the challenge of Mathias Jorgensen.

"It was a difficult situation," he continued. "We were watching on the TV two or three times since and it was difficult for us [to tell]. We have to respect the decision of the referee."

Southampton have been active in the transfer market this summer and recent arrival Wesley Hoedt was an unused substitute at Huddersfield.

On the prospect of further signings before Thursday's deadline, Pellegrino said: "We never know. If someone that's important for us is ready to come and can improve us, we will be ready."