Struggling forwards undermining Saints' hopes

Graziano Pelle started brightly but has faded

Southampton's woes in front of goal are threatening to derail their hopes of clinching a famous place in the top four.

Saints failed to find their way past ten-man West Ham at St Mary's on Wednesday and afterwards Ronald Koeman delivered the verdict that his strikers "weren't good enough" on the night.

They may have the meanest defence in the top flight but with just one goal in their last three in the league, are Saints' struggling forwards going to deny them a shot at the big time?

Graziano Pelle was the surprise package early in the season, the Italian scoring six times in his first eight starts after following Koeman to the south coast from Feyonoord for 8m.

That bright start was enough to see the Saints duo collect Manager and Player of the Month awards for September.

The goals have dried up for Pelle since, however, as the 29-year-old is now on a run of just two goals in 17 appearances in the league with his most recent coming on December 20 against Everton.

Pelle took a wild swipe at his best chance to break the deadlock against the Hammers, symptomatic of what Koeman feels is a recurring theme just now.

"We had some chances but there wasn't enough sharpness in the box," the Dutchman noted of the stalemate that saw Southampton drop down to 4th place.

Koeman has been hampered by injuries as well.

Long-term absentee Jay Rodriguez hasn't kicked a ball this season and may miss the entire campaign.

Shane Long was a 12m summer capture from Hull but the Irish international has managed to find the net in only one of his 20 Premier League appearances so far.

Long is now sidelined until March after picking up a rib injury in the win over Newcastle in mid-January.

Southampton now have ten days off before they resume the race for a top four place at home to Liverpool on February 22nd.

Koeman should have midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin back for the visit of the Reds - who would close to within a point of Saints with victory at St Mary's.

In his first season in English football, Koeman has impressed most observers.

The 51-year-old seemed to indicate this mini-break will be best served working on the training ground to take advantage of situations like the second half against West Ham where his players were unable to break down ten men.

"You have to use your brains, keep it wide and keep moving the ball and we didn't," was his verdict.

If they are to maintain their lofty position Southampton will need to match their brilliant defensive record with more returns in front of goal.