Claude Puel saw his squad rotation policy justified as Saints secured a draw against Premier League top dogs Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Saints boss made a raft of changes for the Europa League defeat against Inter Milan, and was did the same again for the game against City.

He came in for a little bit of criticism for the decisions following the narrow defeat to Inter, despite a good performance.

However, there were no complaints as Saints fought their way to a point against City as his planning for the week produced a win with Burnley as well as a draw at the Etihad.

Puel said: “It was important of course to change for me the team.

“We can see a bit of tiredness to finish this game. For example, for Martina or McQueen (who played all three games) it was difficult to finish this game.

“Manchester had two days more of recovery and it was important to resist and to keep this result for my players.

“We finished the last game against Inter Milan with a big disappointment and it was important to have a fantastic spirit, strong mentality and a good organisation.

“Perhaps you can make better on the play but it’s difficult against this team because they have great players and they can do the difference every time.

“It’s a good point for us.”

Before the match it was difficult to know whether it would be a good time to play City, who are in the midst of a mini-slump, or if Pep Guardiola’s side would fire back to form.

In the end Saints did benefit from a horrible individual error for their goal, clinically converted by Nathan Redmond, but their point owed more to their organisation and stoicism than any failings of City.

When asked if managers had worked out how to play against Guardiola’s City side already, Puel replied: “It’s very difficult every time to play the best and the best game, because to play every three days is very very difficult.

“All the teams who play the Europa League or the Champions League are in difficulties of course.

“The Premier League is a strong championship with good teams, strong teams, and it is difficult every time to finish every time your Europa League or Champions League game and after play with a team with good organisation. It is difficult.

“Perhaps against us it was different because we play just two days ago in the Europa League and it was difficult for us to finish this game.

“I think every opponent give all the possibilities against Manchester because they are near the top of the championship.”