Relegation-threatened Southampton claimed a 0-0 draw with Everton last night in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game as Saints head coach.

In truth the home side should have won the game, as fifth placed Everton put in a lacklustre display.

The home side started the game far brighter than the visitors and could have taken the lead in the early stages.

Phil Jagielka put the ball narrowly wide of his own post from a Jack Cork cross. Rickie Lambert was denied by the woodwork with a superb free-kick from 30 yards out, before Tim Howard saved a header from the 31 year-old and Leighton Baines cleared off the line.

Howard also kept out a half-volleyed effort from Saints centre-back Jos Hooiveld. Lambert had another chance as the striker rose to head narrowly wide. Everton came out a bit brighter in the second half and Saints keeper Artur Boruc denied Marouane Fellaini.

Victor Anichebe came off the bench to replace Seamus Coleman and looked lively. The Nigerian international found Nikica Jelavic with a superb centre and the out-of-form striker tripped over the ball when well-placed.

Anichebe then saw an effort saved by Artur Boruc. Saints winger Jason Puncheon went off the field to answer a call of nature, much to the home fans amusement. The winger hadn’t produced the same sort of display as previous weeks.

Rickie Lambert saw another header go off-target. Everton substitute Kevin Mirallas show wide when he looked set to give the visitors probably an undeserved winner. In the end neither side could make the breakthrough.

New Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted with the performance of his new team, even if they didn’t claim maximum points. Everton boss David Moyes will be disappointed with his sides’ poor performance.

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