Claude Puel was frustrated to be repeating himself again after Southampton were held at home to Sunderland.
Saints created a number of good opportunities in the first half, but failed to take them, before Jermain Defoe’s penalty gave the visitors a late lead against the run of play.
Substitute Jay Rodriguez salvaged a point for Puel’s men with his 85th-minute strike, but Saints were again frustrated not to have made the most of dominating a home game, much like Watford on the opening day.
“Again I offer the same analogy – we lacked goals. It’s difficult and it’s a disappointment this afternoon because my players give all their energy with a good spirit and a good attitude,” Puel told saintsfc.co.uk.
“It’s a shame to take this game and not be rewarded this afternoon for all of the situations. It’s the same as the first two games for us.
“It is important to score goals because it means you take the points, but also this afternoon we had to try not to concede, and the one situation they had they scored from a penalty.
“We started the game fantastically, but we needed to score in this moment. I think it was unlucky, but we have to continue to work hard after the break.
“It’s not a system, it’s just to score goals. We had possibilities to score, but we had to show good quality for this team to take the points.”
Rodriguez’s goal lifted the St Mary’s crowd, and Puel was also delighted to see the striker back among the Premier League goals for Southampton.
“I am happy for Jay Rodriguez because to score is very important for him and for us after his two seasons with injuries,” Puel said.
“It’s great to see him scoring again. That will give him the confidence too.”
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