SAINTS boss Claude Puel admitted he was happy with a point after AFC Bournemouth’s strong finish to the goalless draw at St Mary’s.

The visitors had the best opportunities but Harry Arter missed a penalty – a replica of Harry Kane’s skier from the same spot during Spurs’ 4-1 win in December – and Adam Smith struck a post after Steven Davis had cleared off the line from Andrew Surman.

Puel said: “The draw is a fair result, we had a good start and a good first half but they came back with good opportunities in the second half.

“We needed to be more clinical in front of goal as we were playing a team with good quality and good organisation.

“It's not an excuise but after an international break it is always difficult. Playing two games in a month makes it hard.”

On Arter’s miss, Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: “Those things happen, no-one goes there to miss. Josh King would have taken it, but he went off. I always respect people who put themselves up for taking penalties.

“I’m just glad we’re getting in positions to score, it’s pleasing we are creating those opportunities.

"Ideally a player shouldn’t slip taking a penalty but it was a high-pressure situation and these things happen.

“We were excellent in the second half, we dominated the last 25 minutes and on another day we’d have scored two or three against a very good team.

“They showed that in the first half, we didn’t get to grips with them. We can’t be too disappointed with a point away from home, this is a tough place to come.”

Howe also confirmed that ex Saint Andrew Surman’s knee is in a brace after he was substituted following a first half collision with Fraser Forster.