BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed how he felt a change of shape paid dividends for Saints, as they played out a goalless draw with West Ham.

Despite having less possession than their visitors on the south coast, the St Mary’s side registered as many shots on target and came closest when Armando Broja’s strike cannoned off the post.

Hasenhuttl’s charges are yet to pick up a victory in the Premier League this season but the Austrian was pleased to see his side’s work earn them a point against the unbeaten Irons.

He said: “It was a little bit of a different way how we played today. We gave them a little bit more possession – something that is a little bit new to us.

“The way we defended deep was very good and I think in the end we had the bigger chances. Normally we should win the game in the end.

“The decision to take to play with the players who have been here – and work with them and leave the internationals out, was the right decision I think.

“It’s a pity we didn’t take the three points to be honest.”

Normally relatively fixed on playing his 4-2-2-2 formation, Hasenhuttl changed to a 4-1-4-1 system with Nathan Redmond coming into the side on the right wing.

“The goal was very clear,” the Austrian added. “They have their biggest threat with deliveries from the half-channel or from the side in the box.

“We forced them to play a little bit more to the centre and try to play there.

“Yes, we had less possession but no we didn’t have less chances to win the game. I think we have never been so close to win against them.

“This was always a team we were really struggling against, today I must say, especially the defence work from all of the team was amazing.

“This is the key of staying in the game and having a chance to win it.”