INTERIM Saints boss Simon Rusk insisted Aaron Ramsdale did not deserve to lose 3-0 after he saved two penalties against Aston Villa.

Ramsdale denied Marco Asensio twice from the spot on Saturday, but it was not enough to secure a rare point as Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and John McGinn secured a Villa win.

The England goalkeeper made two near-identical saves to prevent the Villa loanee, diving to his left on both occasions, prompting roars from St Mary's.

"I mean, Rambo's great, isn't he? I'm disappointed for him because he probably deserved more from the result," Rusk told the Daily Echo.

Aaron Ramsdale reacts after saving a penalty against Aston Villa.Aaron Ramsdale reacts after saving a penalty against Aston Villa. (Image: Richard Crease) READ MORE: Saints player ratings as Ramsdale heroics not enough to prevent easy Villa win

"But there were lots of good bits around the game today. I think everyone could see that the lads are giving their all.

"We were a little bit deep at times, and we had to absorb a little bit too much pressure, but that's where we're at."

Experienced defenders Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens conceded the penalties when they took out Villa forwards with mistimed slide tackles.

When asked if mental fatigue played a role in those fouls, Rusk suggested: "I think there was a little bit of naivety, and maybe tiredness.

"In these games, when you're defending lots and lots of set pieces, it can fatigue you mentally, and there's mistakes.

"The game is often about mistakes and moments. Sometimes, you need those moments to go for you, and sometimes, they don't. 

"Overall, I don't think I can argue with the result. I might feel differently when I watch the game back."