Southampton failed to break down a stubborn West Ham United side at St Mary’s on Wednesday as the two sides drew 0-0.
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Saints had 67 percent of the possession and 20 shots to West Ham’s four but Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle squandered their best chances against 10-men. Hammers’ goalkeeper Adrian was sent off with 27 minutes to go for handing outside the box, but it didn’t matter as his side defended bravely to grab a point.
With the draw Saints slip to fourth on 46 points, while West Ham remain in eighth spot on 38 points.
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This game was a slow burner down at St Mary’s, as Saints controlled the ball early on and almost went ahead when Mane’s shot was hooked off the line by Carl Jenksinon.
In a first half which lacked real quality, West Ham contained Southampton as two evenly matched sides cancelled eachother out. Just before half time Mane again went close. This time he was set up by Pelle on the edge of the box, but the Senegalese winger curled his effort just wide of the post.
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At half time West Ham threw on Matt Jarvis to try and change the dynamic of the game after a lackluster first half going forward, with Andy Carroll arriving soon after to try and unlock Saints’ defense. Stewart Downing had a deflected effort wide, while Pelle had a chance for Southampton but fluffed his lines.
A moment of madness from West Ham goalkeeper Adrian then swung the game in Saints’ favor as he mis-controlled the ball and with Mane lurking the Spaniard handled the ball outside the box. A clear red card as West Ham were reduced to 10-men for the final 27 minutes with Jussi Jaaskelainen coming on in goal.
Despite their numerical advantage, Saints could not make the Hammers pay as Maya Yoshida, Pelle and Jose Fonte all went close but West Ham held on for a point.
LINEUPS
Southampton: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Gardos, Yoshida; Wanyama, Reed (Ward-Prowse, 67'); Mane (Djuricic , 81'), S Davis, Elia (Tadic, 63'); Pelle
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Kouyate, Cresswell, Song, Amafitano, Downing, Valencia (Valencia, 45'), Sakho (Carroll, 55'), Cole (Jaaskelainen, 63')
Red card: Adrian (63')