SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified that he still expects improvement “in the opposition box” despite recent upturn in fortunes.

And it will be an assessment that the supporters agree with, after they again saw key chances squandered despite a 1-0 win away at Watford last weekend.

In the 2-2 draw with Burnley that came prior, the match could have been well out of sight by the time Armando Broja scored to put Saints ahead in the second half.

But with only a one goal cushion, it allowed Maxwel Cornet to capitalise on a defensive error and finish out of nothing, splitting the points that should have only left St Mary’s in the hands of one owner.

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The likes of summer signing Adam Armstrong will want a goal to come now, after he hasn’t hit the back of the net since the first 20 minutes at Everton’s Goodison Park on the opening day of the season – for him, his regular and important involvement in the creation of goals won’t feel like enough.

Daily Echo: Adam Armstrong has been unlucky not to score since August (Pic: PA)Adam Armstrong has been unlucky not to score since August (Pic: PA)

Asked which areas he’s hoping to see improvement still, Hasenhuttl was clear and concise in his response.

He said: “In the box.

“In the opposition box I think we can be more clinical, we have a lot of chances there. We are getting better but still could score more. I think that's something we can improve.”

Despite this, it’s still seven points taken from the last nine, and the first three matches in a run of five games that was pointed out as crucial for the direction of the season.

Daily Echo: Che Adams' goal earned all three points last time out (Pic: PA)Che Adams' goal earned all three points last time out (Pic: PA)

With a weakened Aston Villa there for the taking and a hapless Norwich after the break, if Hasenhuttl’s men can find the finishing touch it’s quite possible they’ll take another six points.

“It’s never a disadvantage when you perform well and get some points,” the Austrian boss admitted, “it's always helpful creating a good atmosphere.

“This season we maybe have it a little bit more within the squad, we have more alternatives in each position that gives more pressure on individual player.

“But on the other side maybe, for me, it means harder decisions to take in a positive way that you have quality. It's easier for me to pick a team and harder for the players to get a spot in the starting eleven.”