The goal conceded just before half-time was the first Kepa Arrizabalaga had conceded in three home Premier League games. He admitted he hoped the Southampton captain would not have the opportunity to strike at goal in such a way, but he focused on how the squad must react to the defeat.

‘Everything is going against us right now, we are in a bad moment and we have to stick together,’ Kepa said, before being asked whether changes to the team affected the performance.

‘We have a big squad, a lot of players and a lot of quality but the things they are not going well,’ he responded, ‘but it is not because we changed six or five or one player, it is more general, we are not doing well, it is clear and we have to improve.

‘It is time to stick together and time to work, work and work.’