Saints and Spurs share spoils at St Mary’s after intriguing encounter

Prior to this Premier League clash between Southampton and Tottenham, the duo knew that their chances of finishing in the top four were all-but over, but there was still plenty to fight for.

The Saints (seventh before the match) and Spurs (sixth) could still get a top six berth and thus secure Europa League qualification for next term, and just one point separated them going into this encounter.

However, nothing could separate the pair at St Mary’s as they drew 2-2, although Southampton had perhaps the better opportunities to kill off the game.

This fixture represented a return for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino to his former club, and his team started the game in more positive fashion, but were unable to create any chances to show for their dominant possession.

Both sides got themselves into good positions, but their defences were equal to any attack.

But the first effort finally came in the 25th minute, and from Southampton. From a corner, Morgan Schneiderlin brilliantly latched onto a corner to volley on target, but Hugo Lloris saved well.

The shot certainly livened things up for the following couple of minutes, as the Saints continued to attack, and the pressure clearly worked as a comedy of errors in Spurs’ defence led to the first goal.

Saido Mane started the move, showing great pace and tenacity, then two slips, the latter by Ben Davies, allowed Graziano Pelle to capitalise and poke a shot past the bemused keeper.

Nacer Chadli had the first chance for the visitors 10 minutes before half time, but it was a wild one, as his long-ranged effort was well over the bar.

Southampton were back on the attack, though, and, after a wonderful passing move Ryan Bertrand found out Steven Davis, who scuffed his shot.

It was certainly become more end-to-end now, and this time England cap Ryan Mason connected well from a cross but his strike hit the head of Jose Fonte.