RALPH Hasenhuttl highlighted the importance of going three games unbeaten.

Saints’ manager was desperate to guide his side to a trio of consecutive wins, but they had to settle for a draw at Goodison Park.

Not since the end of Ronald Koeman’s spell in charge in 2016 have the St Mary’s side achieved the feat, although they still have four matches of this season remaining.

“I would like to have seen the third win in a row because we haven’t done it so far,” Hasenhuttl said.

“But it was OK that we didn’t lose. When you have so many chances, especially in the first half, and they get an equaliser, the game can change.

“It was a very, very committed performance from my side and I think we deserved more than a point.”

Hasenhuttl also paid tribute to his side’s resilience on the road, especially as they conceded a goal on the verge of half time.

The Austrian was thrilled to witness how Saints responded to James Ward-Prowse’s missed penalty, although he revealed he prefers it when the fouled player doesn’t take the spot-kick.

“I don’t like it so much when the guy who is fouled takes it,” he added.

“What I really liked and what I really enjoyed watching was that we didn’t seem to be confused after not scoring the penalty.

“We immediately pushed on and went for the first goal.

“This was the reaction from a team with a lot of self-confidence and this is what I like to see.”