Southampton’s under-23 side held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at St.Mary’s in the Premier League 2.
The clash was staged at Southampton’s first-team stadium, with free entry to supporters. This gathered a small crowd, more than the young Saints would be used to.
The match was a cagey affair, with both sides resolute at the back and refusing to give away too many chances.
Southampton named a number of first-team stars in the starting line-up. Jay Rodriguez, Sofiane Boufal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg started, with Mouez Hassen and Martin Caceres also featuring.
Neither side showed any quality in the final third, with the few chances that did arise spurned.
The best chance of the night fell to Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh. Jay Rodriguez’s shot deflected to Hesketh in the six-yard box but he was unable to keep his shot on target as it ballooned over the bar.
Picking a man of the match has been fairly easy; there was just one player who stood out.
So our man of the match against Chelsea was Martin Caceres…
The defender, playing his first game for the club, was dominant and controlling at the back.
He won every header he went for and showed his composure and strength when playing out from the back.
Considering it was his first match in over a year he impressed heavily and could be in contention to start against Tottenham in just under two weeks time.
