Southampton and West Bromwich Albion remain winless this season in the Premier League having played out a goalless draw at St Mary's this afternoon.
The Saints looked particularly lively in the first-half through Dusan Tadic, although the summer signing failed to beat Ben Foster with his close-range effort 10 minutes before the interval.
West Brom created the best opening of the second half through substitute Brown Ideye, but Fraser Forster rushed out to deny the striker when he was played through on goal.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action.
Match statistics
Southampton
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 58%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 14
West Brom
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 42%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
Just about. In truth it was not one of the better games that we will see this season, with both sides restricted to just one real chance each. Southampton boasted the game's star player in Tadic, who caused havoc down both flanks in the first half, though his crosses came to nothing time and time again. Summer signing Ideye was brought on shortly after the interval along with Shane Long, and the former had the best chance of the contest when he raced through on goal with 20 minutes remaining, but Forster smothered the chance.
Southampton's performance
Ronald Koeman is going to need time to get his new side working the way that he wants and on the basis of this game, a lot of Southampton's play this season will come through Tadic. The Serbian created more chances than any other player in the Eredivisie last season, and he looked to pick out his teammates in the middle on numerous occasions. Forster looks a smart, albeit costly, purchase between the sticks, while Graziano Pelle will also come good with some action under his belt in the Premier League.
West Brom's performance
Alan Irvine will be happy enough with this point against a side who did the double over the Midlands outfit last season. Much like the Saints, all of West Brom's positive play in the first half came down the left flank, with Sebastien Pocognoli and Chris Brunt in particular whipping balls into the box which Victor Anichebe failed to convert. Ideye looked a decent proposition when he was introduced, and although he did not score, he linked up well enough with Graham Dorrans to create his big chance.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Dusan Tadic: The game seemed to pass him by somewhat in the second half, but on the basis of the first 45 minutes, the former FC Twente man will be a star for his side this season. One criticism is the fact that Tadic only had the one shot on goal himself, and that was a weak attempt which did little to trouble Foster.
Biggest gaffe
Foster was caught in no man's land when he raced out of his box on the half-hour mark, with Tadic knocking the ball beyond him towards the byline. The England international goalkeeper's blushes were spared, however, with Pelle failing to get on the end of the resulting cross into the box.
Referee performance
Roger East had just one big call to make throughout the game, and it came with less than two minutes on the clock when Brunt was brought down inside the area. In truth, the referee probably got the call spot on by waving play on, although Irvine will argue that his side were hard done by.
What next?
Southampton: The Saints travel to West Ham United next weekend, where Koeman will go in search of his first victory as a Premier League manager. Southampton have shown glimpses of what they are capable of in their two matches so far, but supporters want results instantly, and the 51-year-old will come under fire should the winless run continue.
West Brom: A trip to South Wales is next up for West Brom, with an unbeaten Swansea City side awaiting them at the Liberty Stadium. There are certainly aspects for Irvine to work on in training this week, but he will surely be happy with start to life in the Baggies hotseat.
Daniel Lewis
