SAINTS boss Ronald Koeman says his team's first half performance against Bournemouth was the best of the season so far - perhaps for over a year.

But Koeman said his side "lost more battles" in the second half as Bournemouth responded after the break and posed problems for the Southampton defence.

"The first half was how we like to play football. It was great football. The second half was more difficult. They are clever boys but to play 95 minutes at the level we played in the first half is impossible."

Koeman said his players had learned lessons from their last home game against Leicester, where they threw away a 2-0 half time lead to draw 2-2.

"We know we can beat anyone but it's all about hard work," he added. "We play good football and can compete against anyone in the Premier League."

He said he hoped Bournemouth would stay up. "I like the way they play football. There was a great atmosphere and I hope they are back again here next season."