SAINTS manager Ruben Selles conceded his triple-change during the eventual 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United did not work.

The Spaniard opted to make three changes at once with his side level at 1-1 in the 70th minute of the Premier League clash at St James’ Park.

He called for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Moi Elyounoussi and Adam Armstrong to replace Charly Alcaraz, Lyanco and goalscorer Stuart Armstrong.

Newcastle took a two-goal lead through a Theo Walcott own goal and Callum Wilson’s second of the afternoon 10 minutes later – while number nine Armstrong touched the ball once, taking a restart.

Asked about the change after the match, Selles told the Daily Echo: “The aim was to win the game, that is always the aim.

“We knew that our boys up front had a hard task during the game and we needed to take them off because they ran out of energy.

“We had a plan and thought that with refreshment in the front, we can continue finding spaces and continue with our game plan.

“It didn’t work and we need to accept that, sometimes this happens in the game.”

Reflecting on the contest, Selles said: “We were doing well, we had the plan to apply pressure when we can and keep the ball.

“When you play against a top-four team it's more difficult to keep it. They became more aggressive and put Isak on the side, we were too late to react to it and we let it go

"Sometimes it is difficult. In the first half, we knew what to do but in the second we didn’t find that connection and that is for all of us to work out. We need to be stronger in those moments."