Southampton 0-0 West Ham: Share of the spoils at St Mary’s as Premier League clash ends in goalless stalemate

West Ham held Southampton to a goalless draw at St Mary’s to earn both sides a point on Tuesday night. 

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl had to manage via video-link from home as he is self-isolating after a member of his household tested positive for coronavirus.

His side were unable to break down the rigid Hammers defence. They have now failed to score in their last three games. 

Victory would’ve seen them climb up to fourth in the Premier league table but they now remain in ninth, three points ahead of West Ham in 10th.

Both sides are now winless in their last four games and will be hoping to return to previous form as they chase a Europa League place in this topsy-turvy season. 

The first half began with Southampton on the front foot and in the ninth minute top goalscorer Danny Ings, returning from injury, had the ball in the net but VAR ruled it out as his strike partner Che Adams was offside in the build-up. 

Despite dominating the ball the Saints created nothing of note. In fact, West Ham grew into the game and a Ryan Frederick’s header, just before half-time, could’ve put them 1-0 up but the impressive Alex McCarthy comfortably gathered the shot. 

The visitors’ best chances came after the break. Thomas Soucek squandered an opportunity, failing to add to his four goals so far this season, before substitute Said Benrahma’s close-range shot was expertly saved by McCarthy. 

The main positive for both sides is the return of their forward players from injury. Ings returning is a huge boost to the Saints’ attacking line, while fit-again Michail Antonio being substituted on is a massive bonus for the Hammers. 

A dull stalemate wouldn’t have been the ideal way to end 2020 for either side. However, a point shared ensures both clubs end the year in a better place than they started.

By Jon Bazley