Tonda Eckert's Southampton side failed to take full advantage of their numerical superiority at St Mary's despite playing against 10-men for virtually the entire second-half.
Ephron Mason Clark delivered the frst blow of the match on the stroke of half-time. After finding room between Welington and Taylor Harwood-Bellis he rose highest to head Coventry in front.
The sky blues had the lions share of possession in the first half but it was Southampton who created the better chances.
First, Adam Armstrong dragged his shot wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area after Finn Azaz had put him through.
Then Léo Scienza saw his shot saved by the feet of Carl Rushworth when the Brazilian could have done better.
Coventry boss, Frank Lampard, was incensed when match referee, Adam Herczeg, waved away his side's claims of a penalty. Taylor Harwood-Bellis was lucky to get away with a foul on Haji Wright as Gavin Bazunu rushed off his line to smother the ball.
Jay Dasilva was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Welington just 90 seconds into the second period, handing the initiative to the home side.
Southampton were back on level terms just 10 minutes later. Adam Armstrong found space out on the left hand side to whip a ball in which Nathan Wood headed in from close range.
The Saints continued to press for a winner throughout the second half but failed to find the winner that their play deserved.
Southampton 1-1 Coventry City
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Gavin Bazunu (GK) - 6/10 - A good save from Josh Eccles late in the first half.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (RCB) - 6/10 - Played far too deep again in the first half and was pressed every time the ball came in his direction. Pushed up after the Dasilva sending off and influenced attacks to good effect.
Nathan Wood (CB) - 7/10 - A better performance from Wood today. Much better positionally. Popped up in the opposition box to head Southampton level.
Joshua Quarshe (LCB) - 6/10 - Strong in the challenge which led to Scienza almost scoring in the first half. Demanded the ball at times and linked up well with Ryan Manning down the left.
Midfielders
Welington (RM) - 6/10 - Played high and wide on the rght and was constantly involved. Wayward passing let hm down and put his team under needless pressure at times.
Flynn Downes (CM) - 7/10 - Downes is back to his dynamic best and this was a good performance from him.
Caspar Jander (CM) - 6/10 - Secure in possession and won the ball back for his side repeatedly until he was sacrificed late in the game as Eckert pushed for a winner.
Ryan Manning (LM) - 6/10 - Given full license to get forward in the second half as Coventry were reduced to 10 men. Some good delivery from wide areas and a fierce shot saved.
Forwards
Léo Scienza (LF) - 8/10 - Another fine performance from the Brazilian. Scienza had three shots on target and completed five dribbles in another man of the match performance.
Adam Armstrong (CF) - 6/10 - Grabbed an assist and had one shot that hit the target. Perhaps should have done better early in the match when he dragged his shot wide. Made good runs throughout the match.
Finn Azaz (RF) - 6/10 - A mixed performance from Azaz. Gave the ball away far too often in possession but three chances created and three shots balances the books slightly in his favour.
Tom Fellows - 5/10
Cameron Archer - 5/10