Saints, Cherries battle to goalless draw

The moment was there for Harry Arter, but a late missed penalty ensured Southampton escaped with a point in a goalless draw against Bournemouth.

Arter fired high into the stands with 13 minutes left, which could’ve led to Bournemouth’s first-ever win at St Mary’s in 14 tries (8L, 6D).

Steven Davis prevented a first half breakthrough for the Cherries when he cleared the ball of the line whilst the Saints failed to take advantage of a handful of chances.

Southampton, however, maintain their 10th-place Premier League standing with the draw, but remain level on 34 points with Bournemouth.

Dusan Tadic set Southampton on the front font as he wiggled into space before striking an early effort over the bar. The Serbian then drove a shot across the goal from a tight angle, which narrowly evaded the far post on nine minutes.

Rodriguez, who started in place of the injured Manolo Gabbiadini, continued to pressure the Bournemouth goal as he attempted a shot through a gap in the defence that was curled into the grasp of Artur Boruc.

Bournemouth grew into the game and with a half hour gone, Dan Gosling sent a rising shot over the goal before Davis was required to clear a dribbling ball away from goal following a scramble inside the box.

With the first half dwindling, Tadic struck the outside of the post whilst Maya Yoshida and Rodriguez each came close in quick succession — the latter forcing a reaction save.

Southampton escaped going behind after the restart when Josh King squared the ball for Benik Afobe, whose left-footed shot swerved outside the upright.

Nathan Redmond stung the gloves of Boruc moments later with an effort from distance before James Ward-Prowse snatched the rebound wide.

Bournemouth was then left questioning how they didn’t nudge ahead in the 71st minute when Adam Smith struck the post before Gosling failed to tuck the second chance past Fraser Forster.

Southampton again escaped falling behind when Ryan Bertrand gave away a penalty for a foul on Ryan Fraser. Arter skied the penalty as it appeared his left foot struck the ball.

Southampton: Forster, Bertrand, Yoshida, Stephens, Romeu, Davis, Ward-Prowse (Boufal 63), Tadic (McQueen 81), Redmond, Rodriguez (Long 63).

Unused subs: Hassen (GK), Caceres, Clasie, Hojbjerg.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Romeu (92).

Bournemouth: Boruc, A. Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Fraser, Surman (Arter 46), Gosling, Pugh, King (Wilshere 70), Afobe.

Unused subs: Allsop (GK), Cargill, B. Smith, Ibe, Stanislas.

Goals: None.

Bookings: None.