SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl believed West Ham’s Michail Antonio’s red card came out of frustration – after being denied opportunities by Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu.

The Hammers frontman had enjoyed a superb start to the season before returning to former club Saints, having seen red in stoppage time during the 0-0 draw.

Antonio, who was booked earlier in the second half for wrestling with Stephens, was shown a second yellow by referee David Coote for a late challenge on Moussa Djenepo.

And with the striker having got the better of his Saints’ centre-backs in the past, Hasenhuttl insisted the improvement in his side defensively may have led to Antonio being given his marching orders.

Speaking about Stephens and Salisu, who helped to keep Saints’ first Premier League clean sheet since March, Hasenhuttl said: “It’s easier for them when everybody is working like they have done.

“But yes, they have by far played their best game against Antonio.

“We were always struggling against him in the past and today he was sent off and the red card frustrated, because there was no chance for him.

“This was exactly their job and it’s good to see they have this quality because this is what I want to see.”