JAMES Ward-Prowse admits he’s “not too sure” why Saints are often unable to maintain a lead during the second-half of matches but adds: “It could be a mentality thing.”

Saints have now dropped a league-high 16 points from winning positions this season – and have only picked up 17 from 17 matches altogether.

The tally means Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side sit 15th in the Premier League with a six-point gap on Burnley in the relegation zone, although the northern outfit have two games in hand.

But second-half performances have not just done their damage to the standings but often to the inspiration and morale of the St Mary’s and travelling support.

Asked about why it keeps happening, Ward-Prowse told the Daily Echo: “I’m not too sure, it could just be a mentality thing.

“We’ve always gone into half-time predominantly with a good scoreline and it’s just about how we can develop that next stage of our game.

“A little bit of maturity and game management and if we can improve that by a little bit we will end up picking up more points and start climbing the table.”

Saints picked up three points in December with draws against Leicester, Brighton and most recently Crystal Palace but were leading in the second-half of all of them.

To add, Norwich completed their comeback during the second-half to snatch three points from Saints – despite Che Adams opening early – while Burnley, Manchester United and Everton all came from behind to secure their results against Saints.