Saints should not fear playing at home despite their lack of goals at St Mary’s this season, according to Claude Puel.

Saints have the worst scoring record in the league on their own turf, having only netted eight times in eight top flight matches at St Mary’s.

However, they have picked up four wins and three draws, losing only once, thanks to their brilliant defensive performances, with their five goals conceded bettered only by table topping Chelsea.

Saints welcome Tottenham to St Mary’s on Wednesday night on the back of a 3-1 win over Bournemouth which signalled their ability to score more goals.

Puel said: “Since the beginning of the season we have many chances every game and sometimes it’s difficult for us to be clinical on our play.

“I think it’s important like the game against Bournemouth to try.

“I saw against Bournemouth good things on the play with a good philosophy to try and to shoot like the second goal of Jay.

“It is important for us to take our responsibility in the last third because many chances without the clinical, sometimes unlucky.

“It is important to continue this work because we have good player but without for the moment the good attitude and to take the responsibility.

“It’s important like the game against Bournemouth to try and shoot and in the final third because in this penalty area we can do the difference.

“We have to make progress on this position.”