RALPH Hasenhuttl has attributed “unbelievable work against the ball,” as the reason why Armando Broja might have missed a golden opportunity to go ahead versus Manchester City.

The Albanian frontman had a goal disallowed for offside in the first-half and also saw a big penalty shout go down thanks to the linesman’s flag, in the 1-1 draw with the defending champions.

Following the break, an opportunity presented itself to Broja to head home from merely yards – albeit under pressure from goalkeeper Ederson – but the striker could only head onto the woodwork.

Saints had their backs against the wall for much of the second period and the strikers were again the first port of call to prevent the City onslaught.

Hasenhuttl says this might be why he missed, adding: “You feel in the second-half when you are only defending how tough it is to defend the goal.

“They are too good, they find solutions, even if they have not a real nine they are entering the box with players and it is always tough to defend it.

“You have to do it second-half, the attackers did so well against the ball and that is maybe the reason why Broja did not finish a big chance in the second-half, because they had unbelievable work against the ball today.

“But they did it in an unbelievable way and showed fight for this club, I’m so proud of them.”