Leno - This is the life of a goalkeeper

Bernd Leno has spoken frankly about his part in the goal that ended our long unbeaten streak on Sunday.

Our goalkeeper has been outstanding since making his Premier League debut against Watford at the end of September, but he made a rare error at St Mary’s. Bernd got fingertips on Shane Long’s cross but couldn’t divert the ball away from Charlie Austin’s head.

“The last goal was a little bit unlucky for me,” said Bernd. “I wanted to get the cross because Austin was completely free and it was so close.

“No risk, no fun. Maybe next time I will get the ball or I will stay on the line, look at the ball and then nobody says ‘you came out and didn’t get the ball’. That’s the life of a goalkeeper but I would do it again.”

Bernd’s proactivity has been a strength for us this season, but Sunday wasn’t his day. He accepts that we made too many errors against Southampton and felt the effect of multiple changes in defence.

“We came back twice and I think we controlled the game, but we made too many mistakes, too many easy mistakes, and that was the reason we didn’t get a draw or win the game,” said the Germany international.

“It was not easy defensively because this line of defence didn’t play together before. We have a big squad so we have many players who can play in defence or at centre back, so hopefully it won’t be a problem. I hope there will be no more injuries.

“After 22 games you can lose a game, so it is disappointing but now nobody talks anymore about the unbeaten run and we can look forward. We have Spurs on Wednesday - another big game - and maybe now we can start another unbeaten run.”