Barnes admits improvement was needed to beat Southampton

Saints to score in a helter-skelter second period, which ended with Barnes wrapping up a 2-0 victory in stoppage time.

“I think it panned out the way we thought it would,” the one-capEnglandinternational said. “It was a difficult game.

“We were happy to go in at half-time ahead, but we weren’t particularly happy with our performance.

“We thought we were a bit offthepace,butIthoughtinthe second half, we were a lot better. We controlled the game a lot better and of course, we’re really happy with the three points.”

England manager Gareth Southgate was in the stands at the King Power Stadium, where ever-improving Barnes kept his cool to score his 10th goal of the season in all competitions.

“In games, it happens, and the game stretches out,” the academy graduate said.

“There’s always space late on, especially when they’re searching for a late goal, so of course, when you break, you just need to keep your composure and I’m happy to see that one go in.

“As a team, we’re scoring a lotofgoalsthisyear,andIthink I’ve been a big part of that. I think I’m just a bit more composed in front of goal this year, andofcourse,that’sshowingin the goal tally.

“The way we play, we’re so attacking, and that suits me perfectly. All our frontmen go into the game thinking they’re going to score or get an assist.

“Therewillbealotofchances for us, so of course, every game is exciting.”

Southampton boss Hasenhuttlexpressedprideabouthis injury-hit side’s performance in the East Midlands given so many key players were absent.

Saintsmadelifeuncomfortable for Leicester throughout Saturday’s match and Kyle Walker-Peters was frustrated to have nothing to show for their endeavours.

“Disappointed,” the rightbacksaid.“We’realwaysdisappointed to lose.

“Ithinkwestartedthegame ontop.Unfortunatenottotake one of those chances, for not taking those chances we got punished.”