JAMES Ward-Prowse believes the Saints squad needs to take a look at itself during the international break in a bid to end their Premier League rut.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side lost their third top-flight game in a row on Sunday when they were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Chelsea at St Mary’s.

It’s the first time since Hasenhuttl took charge that Saints have been beaten in three consecutive Premier League games, which is a streak Ward-Prowse is keen to fix during the international break.

The midfielder said: “I think certainly it will be a case of having a look at ourselves individually and collectively.

“First of all, we need to see what we ourselves as individuals need to do and change to bring to the table.

“We’ve got a good period of time to work on a few things during the international break, so it will be a good time to work on them.

“I think we all, individually, need to be better.

“We’ve had an OK start to the season with a few good results here and there, but we need to be consistently better.

“We want to start taking points off the big teams and we need to get that belief and drive back to do it again.”

Saints slipped behind to goals from Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount before Danny Ings got them back in the tie against Chelsea.

However, N’Golo Kante’s deflected shot on the verge of half time took the steam out of Hasenhuttl’s side, with Michy Batshuayi adding to Saints’ misery with a late strike.

There were plenty of jeers following the referee’s final whistle, which prompted Ward-Prowse to call for unity during the club’s difficult run.

He added: “We all share their frustrations because we aren’t used to being in this situation.

“We have to stay patient because we have been in tough times before and we aren’t going to get anywhere if we are all on each other’s backs.

“That’s us on the pitch with each other, but also between the fans and players.

“We have to stick together and maintain our belief in what we are doing and in the manager then, I’m sure we will be fine.”

Although it was a day to forget for Saints, Ings continued his impressive run in front of goal, with Ward-Prowse complimenting the striker’s efforts.

“He is doing well,” added the 24-year-old.

“You can see from some of the goals he has scored this season the work-rate he gives us which really sets the tone for the way we play.

“He’s deserved the goals and I am sure with his quality and his work-rate that plenty more goals will come for him.”