Super Eagles duo, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were in action as Southampton held hosts Fulham to a goalless draw in the Premier League at Craven Cottage thanks to a strong defensive effort, earning them a point away from home for just the second time this season.
While it was only the sixth point of the season for the struggling Saints, new manager Ivan Juric, who was watching from the stands, will have been encouraged by a far better performance.
Following Southampton’s thumping at home by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, in which they gave up five goals, manager Russell Martin was fired.
However, their defence significantly improved as they maintained a clean sheet for just the second time this season with a new man waiting in the wings and taking notes in the stands.
To the annoyance of their supporters, Fulham controlled the majority of the game but was unable to create a breakthrough.
Southampton’s resolve may have been underestimated by manager Marco Silva, who made five changes from the team that drew 2-2 at Premier League leaders Liverpool last Saturday.
However, they still had a number of chances to win. Alex Iwobi, who returned from finger surgery, had their finest first-half opportunity when he curled a left-footed shot that caused Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale to make a fingertip save.
In the 67th minute, Harry Wilson’s left-footed half volley was hit powerfully from close range, but Ramsdale pushed it over the bar.
The England international, who was wearing a modified four-fingered glove on his left hand to protect his finger, made an even greater save.
Fulham increased the pressure in a last-ditch effort to win the game, but Adama Traore missed his snap attempt.
