He admits: "It is a difficult one to get out of the system - but anyone who was at the game will understand it wasn't a 4-1 match, but one we could easily have won.
"Graham Taylor was quick to tell us that afterwards, and give us some consolation.
"We missed some vital chances early on and that proved fatal - we certainly brought that result on ourselves.
"We played some fantastic football going forward at Aston Villa, really positive attacking football that could well have been rewarded with goals.
"Against Southampton we have got to play, going forward, as we have in recent home games. Even the first half against Leeds recently was good from an attacking point of view, but unfortunately we made some dreadful errors at the back as well.
"I am sure we will come out firing on all guns and we have got to show our home fans - and ourselves - that we can win at Upton Park."
Of the overall situation at the base of the league, Paul concludes: "A couple of victories would make a massive difference.
"There is no gap, it is really tight, and although I don't study the league too much you can see from half way down or a little below that everyone considers themselves in a relegation fight."