Ronald Koeman refused to discuss the form of Graziano Pelle as the star striker’s goal drought extended to ten Premier League matches.

The Italian had two good chances to break his goalless run against West Brom but failed to make any contact with the first of them and fluffed the second.

He looks desperately short on confidence but remains a vital component to the way Saints play, presenting Koeman with a tricky dilemma ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace to St Mary’s tomorrow night.

“I don’t like to talk about one player,” said Koeman when asked if he was concerned about Pelle’s form.

“I think the whole team performance is a little bit more down than the beginning of the season.

“We tried to change that, to change players and positions and it all is out of a little bit less confidence that we had and the best confidence is to win and for that I think the next Tuesday game is important to come back in winning games.”