RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted Willy Caballero had a "tough game" on his debut for Saints.

The 40-year-old was drafted in as a free agent on Monday as emergency cover following injuries to both Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster.

And he was thrust into action for his debut just a few days later, lining up in goal against Arsenal for his first match since playing for Chelsea in September 2020.

There was little Caballero could do for any of the Gunners' three goals, with strikes from Alexandre Lacazette, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel securing a 3-0 win for the hosts.

Asked to assess the former Argentina international's debut for Saints, boss Hasenhuttl said: "It was a tough game for him, definitely. We couldn’t help him more.

"He had a few moments where he was really under pressure because we wanted to keep them away from our goal.

"I think in the first half we managed this, because we knew when they were coming closer, they have so much quality to create chances.

"It is tough also for him then.

"This is the reason we tried to press them high and keep them away from our goal. But when you concede the first two in a way which is just too easy, then it is always tough for him."

Asked if he feels Caballero was being fouled by Lacazette to prevent him reaching the ball for the third goal, Hasenhuttl added: "You must ask the referee. You cannot ask me.

"I saw that he was claiming after the goal. I don’t know why. Maybe he saw a foul, I don’t know."