Claude Puel rues Southampton's first-half showing against Crystal Palace

Southampton coach Claude Puel has highlighted his side's poor first-half showing as an important factor in the club's 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Eagles were able to ease some pressure on struggling coach Alan Pardew thanks to a brace from Christian Benteke and a solitary effort from James Tomkins, leaving Puel to rue what he described as a missed opportunity for his men.

"It is frustrating because it was a good opportunity for us to stay in the top half of the table. The first-half performance was not sufficient. We just played for the last five minutes," Puel told reporters after the match.

"We tried to play in the second half with good movement and we created chances, but it was not enough to win the game. We did not keep good concentration. It was a bad day."

Southampton now find themselves sitting in 11th place in the league standings after 14 games played.