Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says his side must develop resilience to end their poor festive form behind them.
Saints conceded four goals in 22 minutes in losing heavily at Middlesbrough as their winless streak stretched to six games (three draws, three losses).
It means they are now 15th in the Championship and the feelgood period of Eckert's first few weeks in charge has well and truly evaporated.
"We need to become more resilient as a group," he told BBC Radio Solent. "We can be 2-0 up today, but not every game is going to go that way.