New boy Gabbiadini can be the solution, says Saints boss Puel

Southampton boss Claude Puel hailed the impact of new signing Manolo Gabbiadini, despite his side’s 3-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.

The Italian forward, signed from Napoli, fired home the opening goal at St Mary’s to give Puel’s men a 12th-minute lead.

However, goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble gave Slaven Bilic’s resurgent Hammers the win, and condemned Saints to their sixth Premier League loss in seven matches.

Southampton are 13th, just seven points off the drop zone, with 27 points from 24 matches.

Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

They travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland next weekend, with the Black Cats no doubt buoyed by their spectacular 4-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Frenchman Puel said it was ‘a pity’ his Southampton side lost the game against West Ham, but was quick to praise the impact of his new marksman.

“I’m satisfied and I enjoyed his game because he’s a strong player with quality,” Puel said.

“It’s a pity we lost this game when you saw this fantastic goal. He can give solution between the lines and behind the lines also. On the crosses he is always available.

“It’s a very good player to play to find him between the lines but to score and give assists for the future.”