Relief for Neil as Naismith saves Norwich
FOR Southampton manager Claude Puel, this was a tale of the centre-halves — the one who was missing and the two who stepped up to score.
Saints confirmed this week that captain Jose Fonte had asked to leave the club and he was subsequently left out of the squad entirely by Puel.
The coach admitted afterwards that the current speculation contributed to his decision.
‘I respect the possibility for Jose to see any opportunities in the window,’ said Puel.
Fonte may not return to face Liverpool in Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final, with his boss saying: ‘I will take a decision by Monday.’
In the absence of his captain, Puel was delighted to see goals from the two central defenders who did play: Virgil van Dijk and Maya Yoshida.
They were terrific goals, Van Dijk’s a stylish volley and — after Steven Whittaker had levelled for Norwich from the penalty spot — Yoshida’s a thumping header.
Until injury time, it appeared the two strikes would be enough to hand Southampton a deserved victory at Carrow Road.
But an uplifting afternoon for Saints descended into one of disappointment as Norwich and Scotland forward Steven Naismith levelled in injury-time.
It was another Southampton setback, following three defeats in six days in the Premier League over the festive period.
For Norwich manager Alex Neil, there was some respite. His side had won only three of their previous 14 matches and there are many people around these parts who feel that the manager’s time is up.
Only 12,479 turned up to this FA Cup third-round tie — compared to attendances regularly in excess of 26,000 last season in England’s top flight.
Former Hamilton Accies boss Neil attributed the poor turnout to Norwich’s ticket pricing structure but disaffection surely played a prominent part, too, with the Canaries lying ninth in the Championship.
‘I think the price of ticket was £25, relatively high,’ said Neil. ‘It’s just after Christmas. People are not flush with cash right now after spending money on presents.’
Southampton took the lead on 38 minutes when ex-Celtic defender Van Dijk adjusted his body expertly to steer a volley into the ground and past Michael McGovern.
Southampton were playing well, with five youth team products in the starting line-up but for one, 19-year-old debutant goalkeeper Harry Lewis, the afternoon took a traumatic turn.
With Southampton leading 1-0 after 51 minutes, Lewis’ horror moment arrived. He received a simple backpass but his first touch was loose and, as Cameron Jerome closed in, the goalkeeper rushed across, careering into the forward and bringing him to the ground.
Former Rangers player Whittaker converted the penalty but Southampton responded strongly, as Tadic tested McGovern with a stinging effort.
They then retook the lead when Yoshida met Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s curling cross with a bullet header.
But Norwich rallied and, in injury-time, Naismith stooped to ensure the replay.