Mark Hughes has admitted his side may have a mental issue that prevents them from holding onto leads in games.

The Saints have given up points from winning positions on multiple occasions since the start of last season

The trend continued in their last Premier League game - a 2-2 draw against Brighton where they were 2-0 up.

"Maybe," said Hughes to the Daily Echo when asked if it was a mental issue.

"I have mentioned before that I sensed that but I don't think that was the case this time because we had a real go and our general play was more on the front foot and we are playing with more confidence and that's clear for everybody to see.

"You have periods in games where momentum goes against you and you just have to ride out those moments and hope that you don't concede or are damaged by the shift in momentum the opposition are able to create.

"At the end of the day you have got to give them credit. They had nothing to lose, they were 2-0 down and thought 'sod it', let's throw people forward, have a go and take risks and that's what happens on occasion and they got a positive result so credit to them.

"From our point of view it's disappointing because it's a game where we should have been home and hosed long before the winner when they got the penalty award."