Claude Puel has vowed to get his side working on penalties before the final game of the season after yet another costly miss.

Manolo Gabbiadini’s early spot kick was saved by Sergio Romero as Saints drew 0-0 with Manchester United at St Mary’s.

It was the third penalty miss in the last five games for Saints.

Though Shane Long’s effort that went over the bar at Middlesbrough didn’t prove too costly, the misses at home to Hull – via Dusan Tadic - and United have, with both matches ending goalless.

It is exactly what under pressure Puel doesn’t need right now as he fights for his job and to secure an eighth placed finish for his side.

With Saints struggling for goals at home, having now failed to score in their last four matches at St Mary’s, a run that stretches over six hours of football, he could do with a break.

He said: “We perhaps need to work a little more on the training sessions because the penalties have been very important.

“But it’s a shame and I think to have had this situation with this opportunity and good play with many possibilities and opportunities is good work for the next game and of course to find the clinical edge.”

To add insult to injury, Puel was struck in the face by the ball while directing operations from his technical area at St Mary’s and was sporting the beginning of a bruise under his left eye.

“I hope not,” he smiled when asked of the possible bruising. “I said I want to participate also on the game and this was a strong shot.”