Russell Martin acknowledged automatic promotion is now likely beyond Southampton after his side’s toothless display at Blackburn saw them stumble to a scoreless draw.
Having fought for a top-two finish in the Championship for much of the season, Saints’ profligacy in front of goal proved costly in the last-gasp Good Friday draw with Middlesbrough and even later loss to Ipswich on Easter Monday.
Those frustrating results were compounded by a lack of attacking spark on Saturday at Ewood Park, where fourth-placed Southampton created little against well-drilled Blackburn in a forgettable 0-0 draw.
“I was positive about the way we defended, about the clean sheet,” Saints manager Martin said.
“We’ve looked so dangerous and creative going forward recently but conceded too many goals, so we did a lot of work on that side of game.
“(I’m) pleased with that side of the game, pleased with the aggression in the team on that side of the game because it was a tough game and big credit to Blackburn.
“They’re fighting with everything they have but I’m really disappointed with the side we have been so good at recently, the creativity, the attacking flow. It wasn’t there today at all.”
Southampton’s inability to win in Lancashire further dented their hopes of automatic promotion, leaving them 12 points behind second-placed Ipswich with seven league games to go.
That run includes trips to Leicester and Leeds, with Martin looking for Saints to build momentum and peak again for the play-offs as they seek an immediate Premier League return.
“The guys still have a brilliant chance to get as many points as possible, so we can all look at each other at the end of the season and go ‘well, we did our bit, it just wasn’t to be this season’,” he said.
“We don’t deserve, none of them deserve, for the season just to finish flatly ahead of what is looking likely to be the play-offs.
“I think it’s really important we build some momentum and we go into it feeling good about ourselves, with a spring in our step and energy, and then the rest will take care of itself I’m sure.”
Saturday’s point was important for Blackburn, who dug deep having started the week with a fantastic 5-1 win at Sunderland.
The result edges John Eustace’s outfit closer to Championship survival, with Callum Brittain producing a key block to deny Kyle Walker-Peters with 10 minutes remaining.
“I thought it was an excellent game, really exciting game, good Championship game,” the Rovers boss said. “Two good teams going at it.
“I was really proud of the boys’ efforts. I thought we were outstanding with and without the ball, just disappointed that we couldn’t be a little bit more clinical in the final third.
“I think that’s the first time Southampton haven’t scored for 30 odd games, so that’s something very pleasing. It’s all the work that the boys are putting in on the training field.
“We were disappointed not to get a clean sheet on Monday but the boys have thrown their bodies on the line.
“Today, you could see that, you could see the commitment of the whole squad, the togetherness of the whole squad, which is vital at this stage of the season.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Liam Delap has been booked. If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze as assistant coach Throwback when Pepe was surprised that referee gave only a yellow card to Sergio Ramos.. This lol This I guess I won't be needing this anymore... Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, thefootballarenaa, FootballLaughss, MaguireSkills, Foot...
Fabrizio Romano reports on his YouTube channel that in recent hours there have been new conversations between Arsenal and Noni Madueke's camp.Romano adds that he believes Madueke could be open to the transfer, given this second round of talks. If the winger had no interest in the move, presumably his camp would have shut things down immediately.The journalist clarifies that this doesn't mean Madue...
Catalan publication Sport claims that the Blues are "willing" to pay €40m (£34m) for the young Spaniard, who has caught the eye with his performances at the Club World Cup.Garcia has scored 3 goals in 4 appearances, including the winner against Juventus in the last 16 earlier this week.Even so, Real may be open to selling the 21-year-old, but Sport suggest they may want to include a buy...
Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi remain in negotiations to extend the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract beyond the end of 2025, a source told ESPN.Despite recent reports linking Messi to clubs in other leagues, both Inter Miami and the Argentine captain remain interested in continuing their relationship on the field.Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half year Designat...
Szczesny poised to extend Barcelona stay with new dealBarcelona are on the verge of securing a contract extension with experienced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who is expected to sign a new two-year deal, sources told ESPN.Szczesny had previously acknowledged receiving an offer from Barca in May but requested some more time to evaluate his future. The Polish international has now decided to commi...
Chelsea take on Palmeiras in the quarter-finalsChelsea manager Enzo Maresca has tempered expectations ahead of Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, stating that ‘football is full of surprises’.The Premier League side secured their place in this stage by defeating Portuguese giants Benfica, while Abel Ferreira’s team overcame Brazilian rivals Botafog...
REVEALED: Agents almost wrecked David's dream Juventus moveJonathan David pushed his agents to accept a major cut on their commission to seal his move to Juventus.In Turin today for his Juve medical, there was a danger of the move collapsing due to the demands of David's agents.A free agent from Lille, David's agents wanted a massive €25m to place the player at his next club, says Tuttosport...
Forest to bid for Leicester defender Kristiansen linked with Roma and EvertonNottingham Forest are said to be keen on Leicester City defender Victor Kristiansen this summer despite interest from other clubs.Leicester were relegated from the Premier League last season, having only gained promotion the year before and will be hoping to keep the squad together ahead of the new campaign where the Foxe...
Five Man Utd stars ask to leave including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and SanchoFive Manchester United stars have informed the club that they wish to leave this summer after much transfer speculation.After the club’s worst season in history which saw United finish 15th in the Premier League, get knocked out of both domestic cups, and be beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final, five pla...
Garnacho intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departureAlejandro Garnacho has informed Manchester United that he wishes to leave the side this summer as he hopes to join another Premier League club.Garnacho was told he could leave United in May after complaining he was only on the bench for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. He, as well as Tyrell Malacia, Marcus Rashford, ...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 3 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 6 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 7 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Cristiano Ronaldo to join up with Portuguese boss at Al-Nassr
- 10 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner