It looked for all the world like Southampton had successfully negotiated a tricky test at Vicarage Road before Watford were gifted a 96th minute equaliser.
The Saints led through a first goal since August for Che Adams in the 55th minute but conceded an avoidable goal right at the death which will frustrate Russell Martin no end.
Whilst the draw does extend Southampton‘s unbeaten run to 12 games, the manner of the draw will make it feel like a loss. This is not the first time this season that the Saints have failed to see a game out, with draws against Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town leaving a similarly bitter taste in the mouth.
Coming off the back of two consecutive clean sheets, Southampton’s defence and goalkeeper have performed admirably in recent games but unfortunately both were at fault for Rhys Healey’s late leveller. A long punt forward from deep in Watford’s half was misread by Taylor Harwood-Bellis who got caught under the high ball.
Healey, having only been on the pitch a minute, was quickest to react to the loose ball and chested before tamely volleying a shot towards the centre of Gavin Bazunu‘s goal. Bazunu, backpedaling and perhaps caught off guard, flapped at the strike but it squirmed past him to give Watford a gift of a goal.
Southampton must turn draws to wins for automatic promotion
If Southampton had left Vicarage Road with all three points it would have been considered a big victory where they rode their luck at times but defended resolutely. The best teams win when they are not at their best, but Southampton struggle to get over the line in such games.
In truth, Watford were good value for a point, having had 11 shots to the Saints’ six and seven corners to Southampton’s three. Southampton were without their recent star man Flynn Downes, who was absent through illness, and it showed as both sides struggled to gain control of a congested midfield area.
With both teams generally looking to keep possession this season, Southampton managed to have the bulk of the ball with 60% but they struggled to create despite this. Southampton managed 525 passes to Watford’s 292, but it was Watford who had two big chances when Martin’s side just had one; the one being Adams’ goal whilst Watford missed both of theirs.
This is where the real problem lies. Martin’s side dominate their opponents on a weekly basis, but all too regularly fail to put sides to the sword and win games in a commanding manner meaning opponents always have the opportunity to alter the result until the very end of games.
Southampton started the day in fourth and end the day in fourth, but have lost some ground on Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Leicester City above them. Leeds and Ipswich both won difficult away fixtures 2-0, against Blackburn Rovers and Middlesborough respectively, whilst Leicester demolished Plymouth Argyle 4-0.
Saturday’s results see Leeds move three points ahead of the Saints, with Ipswich ten points ahead and Leicester 11. Whilst extending the unbeaten run Southampton are currently on – which is the longest current run in the England’s top four leagues – is positive, Martin was clear prior to the game when he said: “It’s not enough this year. We are chasing two teams that have made the best start in Championship history”.
Given the strength of Leicester and Ipswich, as well as Leeds in third, it may be that they are impossible to catch, however if Southampton don’t start turning draws into wins it will be irrelevant ff the three sides above them drop points.