Ralph’s rescue is completed

IT was not an impossible job when Ralph Hasenhuttl took over at Southampton, but it was certainly an unenviable one. With nine points from 16 games they were loitering in the relegation zone, some 14 points behind Bournemouth.

After this pulsating end-to-end draw that gap is now four, but far more importantly, Southampton secured Premier League survival.

With 29 points from 21 games, the job Hasenhuttl has done is remarkable. The Austrian admitted taking the job was a risk, saying: ‘I am a manager who wanted to have this situation. The easy way is not my way. If you look at my history, I always go to clubs who are struggling.’

Shane Long continued his impressive scoring run to put the Saints ahead but they were 2-1 down at the break with Dan Gosling and Callum Wilson on target. The hosts went back in front when James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett scored before Wilson hit a late leveller. SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-2-2): Gunn 5.5; Valery 6.5, Bednarek 6.5, Stephens 5.5; Bertrand 6; Ward-Prowse 7, Romeu 6 (Targett 46min, 6.5); Hojbjerg 7, Redmond 7; Ings 6 (Armstrong 81), Long 6.5 (Austin 88). Booked: Romeu, Long. Subs (not used): Forster, Ramsey, Lemina, Sims, Austin. BOURNEMOUTH (3-4-3): Boruc 5; Mepham 5.5 (Fraser 23, 7), S Cook 6, Simpson 6; Clyne 5.5 (Solanke 72, 6), Gosling 6.5 (Hyndman 53, 6), Lerma 6, Ake 6; Brooks 6, King 7, Wilson 8. Booked: Gosling. Subs (not used): Begovic, Mousset, Ibe, Surridge. Referee: G Scott 5.