Claude Puel admitted it was two points dropped for the second time in as many home games at the start of this season as Saints were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at St Mary’s.

Saints faded after a bright start, and eventually fell behind to Jermaine Defoe’s penalty with ten minutes remaining.

Jay Rodriguez came off the bench to level up, but Saints go into the international break with two points on the board after also being held to an opening day draw at home to Watford.

It leaves Puel still waiting for his first win as Saints boss, with Arsenal away to come after the break.

He said: “It was the type of game to analyse. A lot of disappointment because I think we make a very good game and with the start in the game the 20 first minutes were fantastic, many possibilities, good play. We don’t score in the strong moment of the game and it was a pity.

“After to finish the first half it was a little difficult with a good team of Sunderland.

“We came back in the second half with good intentions, we had many possibilities, we make attack but you don’t score.

“Just one situation this team score near the end of the game with a penalty and it was very hard for my players.

“It’s interesting for the future to see my players don’t leave the game and to score and to find the equaliser with Jay.

“It was important to come back on this game but it’s a bad result because you have lost two points more.”

Puel was unsure whether referee Lee Mason made the correct decision in awarding Sunderland a penalty after Jose Fonte brought down Jermaine Defoe.

“It is difficult to see this so I don’t know,” he admitted.

“It’s a shame because Defoe no problem, it was not dangerous and it was very hard to take this penalty at the end of this game before any situation.

“It was important I think to come back in this game with character and qualities and the situation behind to win the game.

“It’s important but for the moment it’s disappointment for us.”

Puel handed a first start of the season to Charlie Austin and added: “At the beginning of the season is a friendly game and also training session and Charlie made good things and it was very interesting.

“I think his profile always to be in the area.

“We know against Sunderland we look to play against a team behind on the counter attack and without space it is difficult for Shane.

“With Charlie it was interesting to start this game.

“We can see many solutions this afternoon with the substitutes making a good entrance.

“It is important to respect all the players because it’s a team, a squad, not just 11 players.

“We will play every three days after the international break and it’s important to have everybody together.”