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Sugawara laments missed chances

Live Matchday Images/2024-25/20240914 Southampton vs Manchester United/AY5I7562_uogtpi

Southampton's Yuki Sugawara expressed his frustration that a bright start ultimately ended in defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

A changed Saints starting eleven looked bright during the opening stages at St Mary's Stadium, Tyler Dibling amongst the brightest of sparks.

But Cameron Archer's missed penalty on 33 minutes then saw United take control; goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford before the break with Alejandro Garnacho adding a third in second half stoppage time.

"I think we almost dominated the game in the first 30 minutes," reflected Sugawara. "We had so many good chances and good attacks. We had to make it 1-0, 2-0 or something but then the game has changed.

"After the penalty miss we needed to concentrate because I think within ten minutes we conceded two goals from set pieces and that’s unacceptable. We needed to focus and needed to be patient. We felt good in the first half but we have to kill the game. We had so many chances.

"We need to score, then the game changes a lot. We have to trust the process, that’s the only way we can do things now. We need to trust each other, that’s the really important thing.

"It’s been a tough few weeks but we’re almost there, so we just have to believe the process and trust each other, trust the tactics and we’ll make it happen. That’s the key I think.

"Every game is important. I give my life to win a game, that’s really important. Any player gives everything to win a game. The next game on Tuesday is also important in the cup to get that feel good feeling. Then next week, the home game, against a big opponent to stay in the Premier League."