Mauricio Pochettino: 'Premier League calendar hasn't helped us'

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he has been pleased with his side's recent performances, despite failing to win in six matches.

The Saints have fallen from third position to ninth in the Premier League table, but Pochettino believes that the quality of their opponents and injuries have contributed to their fall down the standings.

The 41-year-old told reporters: "The calendar has been a factor. We have been facing some of the toughest teams in the league. The performances have still been good, but the results haven't come our way.

"I also think that when we have a fully-fit squad, we are a very good, defensive, solid team, and we haven't been able to have that team for a number of reasons, so that's also something that we need to take into account."

Pochettino will be hoping that his team return to winning ways on Boxing Day when they travel to Cardiff City.