Southampton were once again unable to make their chances count at vital times in a match as they were held at home by a resilient Sunderland side after a host of late drama.
The Saints finished with ten men after Jose Fonte was given his marching orders by stand-in referee Neil Swarbrick after the Portuguese defender scythed Fabio Borini down in the 79th minute as the Italian headed goalwards.
A late strike from Jermain Defoe looked to have sealed an all-important three points for the visitors, however, a 93rd-minute thunderbolt from Virgil van Dijk was enough to narrowly scrape a point for the struggling Saints.
Things simply have to be better in Saints’ next few outings, as they face opposition that could prove to be even harder, with Stoke away from home being their next fixture, as well as the visit of Liverpool in two weeks’ time.
Here are five things that I feel as though we can take from yesterday’s draw.
Keeping Virgil van Dijk is essential
Although there has been, surprisingly, no interest from other clubs in van Dijk, it is almost certainly on its way. The big clubs will come circling for a player of his quality and consistency after he turned it yet another incredible performance yesterday, with a goal to boot. His presence and composure at the back is crucial to the Saints and I dread to think where they would be without him this season.
Shane Long is missed when he is out
Up front for Saints, it seemed as though there was no real bite. Although Graziano Pelle’s hold up play was good, we missed a real killer instinct and a tenacious approach to play; something that Long provides.
Oriol Romeu is Saints' best defensive midfielder
Romeu, yet again, had an outstanding game. His approach to play and aggression in the middle is second to none and he is proving to be the best defensive midfielder within the squad. A snip at £5 million.
Juanmi isn't cut out for the Premier League
Although Juanmi came with a glittering reputation and is still adjusting to life in England, his stature is simply not sufficient to compete at this level. He gets knocked off the ball incredibly easily and when he is given a chance by Ronald Koeman, he fails to take it. A talented player, undoubtedly, but not physically gifted enough for the Premier League.
Central creativity is needed
Although Sadio Mane didn’t have a bad game between the striker and the midfield yesterday in a free role-styled position, there was nothing being created throughout by Saints. If chances are flowing through the middle and they can sustain the amount of play out wide, Southampton will be a force to be reckoned with. However, without a truly creative midfielder that can open a game up for them, they will not be as fluent, nor clinical.