Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes says the team must “fight more” after another heavy defeat on Saturday – this time a 4-0 home loss to Brighton.

Saints have now lost five matches by a three or more goals in the Premier League this season, only losing more in 1998-99 (nine), 2020-21 (six) and 2021-22 (six).

“It’s a sad moment for us as a club,” Fernandes told BBC Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore.

“We need to do the easy things not the hard things. We need to get more confidence and try to do better.

“When we did make mistakes they scored – one mistake, one goal. It’s sad, it’s a tough moment for us. We don’t have much confidence.

“Confidence is very important in football. We need to do our best, fight more, rest well, eat well and prepare for the next game.”

It is a quick turnaround for Ivan Juric’s side, who travel to London to face a Chelsea side – who are themselves enduring a difficult run – on Tuesday.

“It’s a big game for us. We are not happy – it’s too many games we are losing,” Fernandes added.

Listen to the full chat on the Southampton feed on BBC Sounds