Alan Pardew was disappointed to see two points slip away from his side as he reflected on a tough game in Exeter.
The Saints manager felt that the heavy surface was a contributing factor as the team struggled to play their natural style throughout the ninety minutes.
"The pitch conditions were really tough," he said. "We would like to have shown a bit more quality on it but I couldn't fault the players endeavour and commitment.
"I just feel that we didn't do the basics well today. The balls we were trying to turn and put into their half were going out of play, and our set plays were a bit disappointing today. On a pitch like this you can't afford that to happen, those little tiny things make a big difference. They put pressure on us second half and we had to keep changing things to try and create something.
"They were strong physically too. I'm disappointed that we got another draw, but this is a tough place to come and with conditions like that and the commitment that they showed it was a tough afternoon. Normally this would be a decent result, but we need the wins."
Pardew added that a goal for Adam Lallana may provide the midfielder with a lift going into a busy week of cup action for the team.
"Tonight I am disappointed because we haven't won, but this is an exciting week for Southampton Football Club and you only have to look at us to know that if the surface is good, and there is a pitch that is in good condition, then we will cause team problems.
"When we come up against these type of pitches and these type of conditions we maybe need to improve a little. It was very similar to Brentford in terms of bits and bobs not being done well, and the teams we are playing are well ingrained to these things. When you are changing players around like we are, they have to learn."
New singing Jason Puncheon was rewarded with a place in the starting line up and the gaffer believed that he showed what he is capable of.
"I thought that you could see that he has talent. He opened things up for us and some of our better things came through him. We've got good players here and I expected a little but better than I got today, just in their quality, not in their endeavour."
