Huddersfield 0-0 Southampton: Match recap

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Fraser Forster of Southampton watches the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Fraser Forster of Southampton watches the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Southampton traveled to Huddersfield in their first away game of the season, as usual, the away support was fantastic. Those who made the long trip can be heard cheering on the team throughout despite a drab 0-0 draw at the John Smiths stadium.

Pellegrino’s Southampton traveled looking to bounce back from the defeat to Wolves in mid-week, despite the point the performance wasn’t what he would have wanted.

Despite a very open first 45 minutes, the first half was largely dominated by the home side, with Mounie causing the defence all kinds of problems in the air. He forced Fraser Forster into multiple saves in the first half, most notably diving at his feet to prevent the striker from tapping in at the front post.

Saints did have chances to be in front before the half-time whistle,  with Nathan Redmond being played through by Davis before he fired narrowly wide at the far post.

Davis himseld also had an opportunity at the mid-way point of that half but was denied by the impressive Lowe in Huddersfield’s back line.

After that, the first half was largely played in the Southampton half, with Gabbiadini severely isolated up front. Forster continued to prevent the Terriers from going in front, pulling off an impressive double save shortly before the break. Granted, the second save was due to his own error.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Southampton’s Nathan Redmond during the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Southampton’s Nathan Redmond during the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Southampton managed to rally somewhat in the second half, improving on the first half showing. With Davis and Lemina swapping positions to give more physicality in the final third, Saints managed to have more time on the ball in the midfield.

More from Saints Marching

After Pellegrino made his substitutions the team created some real goal-scoring chances, Bertrand and Yoshida coming close in the latter stages. James Ward-Prowse may also feel aggrieved not to be given a penalty, after breaking through the Huddersfield defence he cut back onto his left to seemingly go down under some contact in the area. The referre waved it away and Southampton’s poor goal-scoring form continues.

The result today means the Saints have drawn blank in three of their four games in all competitions so far, and despite attractive football and good chance creation, Gaddiadini’s effort last week is still the side’s only goal from open play.

The international break looms now so Saints will look to improve on their performance and result against Watford at St Marys on 9th September.