Claude Puel has called on Saints to end their “difficult period” as the prospect of European qualification via the Premier League starts to fade.

A 1-0 loss to Burnley made it four top flight defeats on the bounce for Saints, who finished the day down in 13th position.

While their placing is still comfortable in terms of a gap to the bottom three, the hopes they previously had of making a dash for seventh have taken a dent.

Puel is not getting too worried about league positions and points just yet, but is instead trying to find a way to halt the poor top flight form, which has been punctuated by an FA Cup draw with Norwich and an excellent EFL Cup victory over Liverpool.

He said: “For the moment just to stop this difficult period.

“It was a bad Christmas for us with three games in five days. It was difficult to play these games.

“We came back against Norwich, Liverpool, with good play, good possibilities.

“It was the same today without the result, but of course it is important now to find a good efficient and to be clinical with all the good work in this play.

“It is important to score with all the chances.

“It is difficult to take this goal in this situation but if we score more before perhaps this goal doesn’t count.”

They were up against a Burnley team who have been formidable at Turf Moor this season.

Sean Dyche certainly has his side well drilled and they showed great discipline and work rate.

Saints had a few chances but again couldn’t convert, and in the end a free kick from Joey Barton proved to be the difference between the sides come the final reckoning.

“If they are lucky like today they can continue to win their games,” smiled Puel when asked just why Burnley were so hard for his side to play away from home.

“It is difficult to play here with long balls, second balls, direct play, but I think we can give a good answer against them.

“It is important to score and to take a good result.

“Congratulations for this team. It is important to win their game and at home they are strong but in this game I think we deserve other things.”