After a torrid first half of the season, the club are now entering a new era under Ivan Juric.

The Croat has arrived on the south coast optimistic, saying Southampton are capable of “something exceptional” in their fight against relegation.

In Juric’s first game in charge – a 1-0 defeat by West Ham – the Saints looked lively with a more direct approach with 6ft 7in striker Paul Onuachu up front, while they were also able to limit their opponents to just two shots on target.

But it was a less promising picture against Crystal Palace, who dominated play after battling back to take the lead.

“We have players who can compete. We are competing and we have to be much better in the details,” Juric told BBC’s Match of the Day after the game.

“They are fighting every game. We have to believe, there is no other option.”