SENSE SPARKY FAILS UP FRONT..

MARK HUGHES admitted Southampton must be more clinical if they are to haul themselves clear of danger.

Saints scored their first goal in six Premier League games – a penalty from Danny Ings – but were still hit for six by rampant Manchester City, who piled the pressure on their former boss.

With one top-flight win all season, Saints find themselves in 16th spot – just two points above the drop zone – with Hughes (above) only too aware they must cure their failings in front of goal.

Sparky said: “We’ve created a number of chances again. Our shots on target are right up there in comparison to how clinical City were today, in comparison to how we were with our chances.

“That’s been the story from the beginning of the season, if we’re honest. We create good moments, but at times we pick the wrong option – or we don’t finish the clear-cut chances we create.

“So we need to improve that at the top end of the pitch, and today we needed to improve at the back end as well.

“We weren’t strong enough in that opening period. We were never going to get anything out of it after that.

“6-1 is not a result we take any pride in, but the fact we were trying to create chances when the game was gone shows the character was good.

“We need to learn from the opening period – but this game is not going to define our season.”