Southampton 0-0 Swansea City: Saints left frustrated as chances go begging

Southampton's frustrating start to the season continued as they were held to another draw despite dominating against Swansea City.

Saints created a string of chances, with Caspar Jander wasting the clearest opportunity when he hit the post from point-blank range 12 minutes from time.

Leo Scienza also struck the woodwork as Southampton were once again left to rue their inability to find a finish.

The result was a fifth draw in the past seven Championship games for Will Still's team, who have won only two league matches in 2025-26 having been relegated from the Premier League last season.

While manager Still is left wondering how his side did not claim all three points, opposite number Alan Sheehan will be delighted to come away with something after Swansea's uninspiring display.

Cameron Archer, Adam Armstrong and Shea Charles had all shot off target before Scienza's curling effort from outside the area missed everyone and cannoned off the far post just after the half hour.

The rebound fell to Archer, who could only turn an instinctive effort wide with Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux stranded.

The lively Scienza then twice beat Josh Key down the Southampton left only for last-ditch interventions from Marko Stamenic and Vigouroux to save Swansea.

There was more frustration for Still before the break, with Armstrong and then Nathan Wood denied by Vigouroux when better finishes would have brought the lead his team deserved.

Swansea did a better job of containing their hosts in the second period, though the Welsh side continued to offer almost nothing in attack.

Southampton thought their moment had finally come when Armstrong's shot was only parried by Vigouroux.

Midfielder Jander was first to the rebound, but his poked effort from four yards hit the inside of the post and then rolled agonisingly across the face of goal.

Southampton manager Will Still:

"I couldn't be happier with the way the team's played. I think that's probably one of our best performances of the season.

"We have totally controlled, dominated, and created so many chances. I am really proud of what the team has shown today.

"We performed to a level that we want to perform at. I know that sounds stupid because we are missing a goal, but you can't do much more than what we have done.

"I think the fans understand where this is going. Those who really understand football know how good that first half was but also the second half. We have hit the post twice and I don't think Al [McCarthy] has had a save to make.

"We have an XG over three and with an XG of over three, we should be scoring four or five goals."

Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan:

"They made it tough for us at times. We were a small bit off it in the last 20 minutes of the first half. Second half was a small bit more even. We changed shape during the game which gave us more of a foothold.

"But in terms of resilience, defending the box – I think you have to do that in some games, and that's the most we've had to do that this year.

"It wasn't the game-plan to just come here and get a point. We wanted to win it, but our attacking play could have been better.

"The quality in certain areas needs to be better of course. But it's a display that shows character against a team who have an enormous amount of quality."

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