Saints hosted Manchester United last night, as their last game in hand and penultimate home game of the season.
The result finished 0-0 with Claude Puel’s men failing to convert for the fourth home game in a row. Manolo Gabbiadini proved he was human when he missed a penalty in the opening minutes – which set the tone of the game for the rest of the night.
Manchester United offered very little in the game other than helping to frustrate the St Mary’s faithful as they gear up for their Europa League final later this month. United had two good counters which eventually fell to Anthony Martial who hit the post and Juan Mata who fired wide.
In a game which Saints dominated, the hosts created some good chances but every chance made was matched by United goalkeeper Sergio Romero – who had a very good game.
Saints host Stoke on Sunday in the aim to finish the season on a high and cement eighth place or a top half finish for a fourth season running after what has been a very inconsistent campaign.
Here we take a look at five things learned from the game against Manchester United.
Saints make unwanted history
It’s another unwanted record break for Southampton and Claude Puel this season as they failed to score at home for the fourth game running for the first time in the club’s history.
Saints need penalty practice
Saints have now missed their third penalty in a row and a fourth over the course of the season, with Dusan Tadic missing two and Shane Long the other before the United game.
You can forgive Manolo Gabbiadini for this one as he has been in a bit of rut since returning from injury but we all know and have seen the quality he possess first hand.
Sergio Romero is a very good goalkeeper
Romero made a string of very good saves to keep a clean sheet and frustrate the Saints. Despite being backup to David De Gea, the Argentinian international proved his worth last night with a very good display.
Claude Puel's luck is just not in
A comical moment in the match last night was when Eric Bailly cleared for Manchester United and the ball hit Claude Puel in the face. This sums up his reign in charge of the club as he is very passionate and hard working but it just doesn’t seem to be going his way.
Jack Stephens can't finish
The only fault of his performance last night was when he had a free volley at the Manchester United goal from about two yards out and sliced into the area rather than on target. Not one to see again but it was the story of Saints’ season in front of goal – all the right positions, just can’t finish.