SAINTS boss Ivan Juric slammed as "very hard to defend" the refereeing decision not to rule out Crystal Palace's equalising goal in the 2-1 defeat.

Tyler Dibling’s 14th-minute opener was Saints’ first goal in five league contests, and their first in their second match under new boss Juric.

But Trevoh Chalobah nodded in a 31st-minute equaliser before Eberechi Eze wrapped up all three points seven minutes after the restart.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale wanted Chalobah's goal ruled out for a push on him from Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta - but nothing was given.

Saints remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table while Palace moved six points clear of Leicester City in the relegation zone.

Speaking after the match, Juric said: "I think we started very well, scoring. I think the first goal for me was foul and it's very difficult to defend this kind of situation.

"They are pushing your goalkeeper. But in the first half, I think that we can do second balls better because the game was like long ball to Mateta.

"Then it was who will win the second ball, who will create this situation, you know? And they were better for this than us.

"In the second half, we did better in this kind of situation and we dominated a little bit the match. We lost two games to set pieces.

"The second goal was like West Ham, a complete disaster, no? But the first goal for me is a foul, no? I don't understand why the referee doesn't give him the foul."

Armel Bella-Kotchap was named in the squad for the first time in the Premier League this season but remained an unused substitute.

"He's worked the last seven days with me and really seriously. He's really motivated and I think as a club we have a need for everybody," Juric said.

"We will see this week. I am sure that he will work hard and then we will decide. I hope that we can use him in the future."