Ralph Hasenhüttl was left frustrated after West Ham halted Saints' recent momentum with a comeback victory at St Mary's, having registered back-to-back wins in the two games proceeding tonight.
The hosts had taken the lead through Nathan Redmond, but Felipe Anderson stole the show with a quick-fire double that earned his side three points and movement into the top half of the table.
The manager, who doesn't underestimate the task ahead, knows that Saints will need to up their game if they're to continue picking up points, with Premier League elite - Man City and Chelsea - next on the fixture list.
"The result was not what we like to see," the Austrian began. "It was a difficult first half, and so we made a few changes to our shape at half time.
"We pressurised more, and that's where the goal came from. But that isn't enough in the Premier League, because we gave away the lead too easily.
"We have to take one step at a time. It's no surprise to me that this job isn't easy.
"We see that it's all about hard work. When we do that we have good chances.
"We were quicker with our decisions in our previous two games, but tonight we passed backwards and sideways too often.
"It's very important that the fans stick with us, and I would like to give them more exciting moments. I think they understand what we're trying to build here, and I appreciate their support.
"The team is disappointed tonight, but I know they gave everything. It's a shame we didn't take a minimum of one point, because I think that was possible."
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