MAURICIO Pochettino confessed some of the goals Saints conceded at Tottenham yesterday were “difficult to accept.”

Although Pochettino was frustrated with referee Anthony Taylor, he did concede that Saints were not without blame.

Defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren made errors that led to each of Tottenham’s first two goals.

“It’s clear that we made some mistakes that are actually quite difficult to accept that we made them,” said the manager.

“It’s clear that we need to improve, especially individually, and that’s part of football.

“We always need to, and want to, improve.”

Pochettino, whose side have conceded 11 goals in their last five games, added: “All managers are worried and concerned when you lose. “Of course we’re disappointed and of course we’re worried about that and concerned about it.”

Saints started the season in superb defensive form, only conceding five times in their first 11 games.

But yesterday’s result means they have since let in 35 in their last 20 outings.

Saints have now conceded more goals this season than relegation-haunted Crystal Palace, while none of the sides above them in the table have conceded more than they have.

Saints had certainly started the game at Tottenham in superb fashion and looked to be heading towards a comfortable victory.

However, once Tottenham got back into the match, they soon began to dominate, and put Pochettino’s side under a lot of pressure during the second half.

Overall, though, the Saints boss felt it was cruel on his side to have come away with nothing.

“We had a very good game overall,” he said. “We were up 2-0, we were controlling it, especially in the first half.

“We deserved more, but there were some refereeing decisions that did not go our way today.

“Despite that, we did very well against a very good Tottenham side.”