Southampton were fortunate not to have been beaten by Bournemouth yesterday as the clash at St Mary’s finished goalless.
It was Saints’ first game in front of the home support in 56 days after what has been a tedious wait, but they could not find their way past a resilient and energetic Cherries side on the day.
The hosts started the game in the better fashion of the two sides, creating chances and coming close on several occasions. Dusan Tadic was unlucky to have hit the post, before Jay Rodriguez effort was superbly saved by former Saints shot-stopper Artur Boruc.
However, the second-half told a different story and Eddie Howe’s men look to have been revitalised. They created several chances and were awarded a penalty late on, despite Ryan Bertrand barely laying a hand on Ryan Fraser.
Harry Arter stepped up, and stuck his penalty right back over into Dorset.
It was a difficult, frustrating affair between the sides. Here’s how we rated Saints’ performances, including Claude Puel’s.
