Claude Puel said it was “difficult to accept” his side’s 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham.

The defeat at St Mary’s was the first time Saints have conceded four goals at home in a Premier League match since 1998, and a harsh return to reality after the fantastic win over Bournemouth before Christmas.

Saints have to dust themselves down with two games in quick succession on the horizon, starting with the visit of West Brom on Saturday.

“It’s a big disappointment because after the 21st minute, the good start and the level we can give in this game it’s a disappointment and difficult to accept to lose 4-1 and to take four goals,” reflected Puel.

“Of course, it’s a big disappointment because we can do other things.

“We make good possession, quality on the first half after the good 21st minute, we give a little more the ball to these players and we didn’t have enough possession or domination of the game.

“But the scenario is bad for us because it’s a disappointment because we were on the good spirit and with good intention and good quality we can see this start to the game and this moment we cannot think of the final result. This is difficult to accept.”

Puel was asked whether he was disappointed with the Saints defending and replied: “I think it was difficult to recover the ball.

“It’s a disappointment and we cannot continue this good work after the 21st minute because it was a lot of energy and big pressing, quality, and after this team come back with a good technical and good possession.

“We run a lot after the ball and we finish the first half tired.

“It was important to come back in the second half with all the possibilities and all the organisation and try to recover more the ball and to play.

“This was difficult against this team but the scenario was difficult to accept with a second goal and this red card after it was finished for us.”

There were eyebrows raised that Harry Kane was being marked by Oriol Romeu when he got free to head home the goal that put Spurs into the lead but Puel said: “Of course when it’s a goal it’s a mistake for a player.

“I think today Tottenham show good football after the 21st minute.

“They were in difficulties against us and after they take the play with the possession, good football and powerful, powerful in the duels, and quality, technical quality, that was very interesting.

“It was difficult against this team and every situation they can score – every shot they have been clinical and efficient against us and this is a great team.

“The scenario was too bad for us to find a solution and to make other things.”