Southampton started by displaying the aggressive pressing style that has defined Mauricio Pocchettino's reign thus far, although it was combined with a lack of creativity which saw the game immediately bogged down in a midfield battle. Halfway through the first period, however, the Saints did force a pair of chances, first with Adam Lallana almost getting on the end of a free-kick at the back post after Grant Holt was booked, and the winger then showing some nice interplay with Gaston Ramirez before sending in a decent effort which was well-saved.
Norwich vs. Southampton: Final score 0-0, Stalemate results after Holt misses last-minute penalty
Norwich and Southampton shared the points after Grant Holt missed a penalty with the last kick of the game in a fairly dull encounter at Carrow Road.
Julian Finney
Southampton were looking dominant, and there were a few more chances for both sides at the end of the half. Rickie Lambert played in Ramirez down the left channel, but his attempted chip was kept out by Mark Bunn, before Norwich almost took the lead against the run of play, Robert Snodgrass' free-kick being saved in unconventional style by Artur Boruc.
Southampton continued to apply pressure after half-time, and Adam Lallana missed another good chance as Javier Garrido miskicked his clearance which landed at the feet of the Saints winger, but he blazed over from 12 yards. Southampton had more chances to take the lead as Jay Rodriguez saw his shot saved but fall to Lambert, but the big striker couldn't find the target from the rebound.
The last opportunity of the game came Norwich’s way - Grant Holt with a clear dive in the area as he attempted to get past Luke Shaw, and the referee was fooled by his simulation. Justice was served however - the big striker dusted himself off to take the penalty himself, but couldn’t beat Artur Boruc in goal, securing a point for both sides.
In all, a dull game produced a mutually damaging draw for both sides, but moreso for the visitors than Norwich. Southampton are now right back in the middle of a relegation dogfight, while Norwich are not quite safe yet. Combined with results elsewhere, this could go down as a huge missed opportunity for the Saints.
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