Ralph Hasenhüttl predictably had plenty of praise for star striker Danny Ings following the frontman's 20th goal of the season against Brighton - only the third Southampton player to reach that milestone in top-flight history.
The goal came in the second period, which Saints dominated for large parts, having gone a goal behind in a below par first 45 minutes.
Certainly the endeavour from Hasenhüttl's side transformed after the interval, typified by the performance of Ings, who also hit the woodwork during the tie, as he attempts to chase down the other Premier League golden boot contenders.
"First half we were very very slow," the manager conceded. "The legs were maybe a little heavy. Maybe we were also missing a bit of consistency in that moment as five subs is a lot.
"In the end, the second half we deserved more. We had massive chances and really stretched the opponent. I didn't see so many chances from them.
ralph hasenhüttl
danny ings deserves this many goals because he works unbelievably hard.
"We missed the last fortune to be able to win this game, because the chances were there. We didn't finish perfectly, so that is why we draw.
"We needed time to adapt, in the half-time we showed what we can do better and how we can do it. We must speed up the game.
"For the reaction second half I am happy. The draw is not enough for me, because we played better than a draw but we take the point.
"Danny Ings deserves to have this many goals because he works unbelievably hard. He's fit, he can run for 90 minutes. He shows that he's on fire.
"Jake [Vokins] showed that he's an alternative in that position, sure he's got to learn. But I think he did a good job today. With the ball, had good solutions in the final third. He's getting better and better."
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