Southampton’s goalless run continues in draw with Newcastle

Southampton’s run without a Premier League goal extended to five games in a 0-0 draw against lowly Newcastle.

Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens partnered once again in defence and held up their side of the bargain, but a slew of missed chances at the other end saw Saints gain just a point to remain 16th in the table.

Southampton, who has not failed to produce numerous opportunities to break the increasingly frustrating goalless drought, had the best chance of the game only to be thwarted — not by the goalkeeper — by the post.

Ryan Betrand teed up Mario Lemina with a perfectly placed low cross, but the midfielder’s attempt struck the upright just before half-time with Saints clearly the more composed side, despite their form.

Shane Long would come inches wide of the goal in the final minute of regular time, but the story remained the same for Saints, who are winless in their last six league games.

Newcastle has yet to win this season, but the point at least moved them off the bottom of the table and above Huddersfield on goal difference.

Southampton: McCarthy, Bertrand, Hoedt, Stephens, Cedric, Lemina, Romeu (Ward-Prowse 78), Redmond, Elyounoussi, Ings, Austin (Gabbiadini 63).

Unused subs: Gunn, Vestergaard, Yoshida, Armstrong, Long.

Goals: None.

Bookings: None.

Newcastle: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie, Diame (Ki 76), Shelvey, Kenedy, Perez (Rondon 69), Muto (Atsu 80).

Used subs: Darlow, Manquillo, Schar, Joselu.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Atsu (90+2).