Half-Time Report: Southampton dominate Everton in goalless first half at St Mary's

Southampton have begun life under Mauricio Pochettino with a promising first-half display against Everton at St Mary's tonight.

However, the hosts could not take any of several goalscoring chances, and enter the interval goalless with the Champions League-chasers.

Phil Jagielka produced two excellent blocks early on, firstly clearing a Jason Puncheon cross bound for an unmarked Rickie Lambert.

He then stretched to divert a threatening Puncheon shot wide of the post as the Saints pressed in the opening stages.

Their dominance continued throughout the half as Lambert struck the woodwork with a beautifully-whipped 25-yard free kick.

The Saints leading scorer also saw a pair of headed efforts saved by Tim Howard, who later foiled Jos Hooveld from close range.

Gaston Ramirez also came close to breaking the deadlock with a low left-footed drive but Everton, who created little of their own, hung on to take parity into the break.