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Cape Town - Claude Puel cut a frustrated figure as Southampton suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at St. Mary's on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud sealed the win, but it could have been vastly different had the Saints capatalised on at least some of the chances they created.
The tie was evenly contested throughout the first half, before Sanchez broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Giroud then added a second on 83 minutes.
After the game, Puel told Sky Sports: "To play at this level against a good team and to have all these chances and positions to score is good, but it's important to find the clinical edge.
"If we cannot score then we cannot win a game."
He added: "Against the top six it's often the way. We can play a good game, with chances, but it's a shame and harsh for the players because it was good spirit and good work without reward."
He concluded: "It's a young team and I hope we can improve to find the clinical edge because it's important to validate the good work and chances with good results.
"Many games since the start of the season have seen good performances without reward. Sometimes it is difficult to accept."
The Saints next travel to the Riverside Stadium to face relegated Middlesbrough in an English Premiership clash on Saturday.
Kick off is at 16:00.
