Hughes shows frustration after Southampton fire more blanks

St Mary’s is not the place to go on a Saturday afternoon if you are searching for entertainment. In truth, the prematch flares, which provided a momentary burst of welcome heat to cut through the autumn chill as the teams came out, were as good as it got.

Saints’ long-suffering supporters have seen their team win just once at home in 16 games and Mark Hughes’s players have now gone 475 minutes without scoring. Anywhere.

It was not for want of trying, though, with Mario Lemina striking a post as he tried to convert Ryan Bertrand’s low cross. And Mohamed Elyounoussi had a point-blank chance to open his Saints account in the third minute but was brilliantly foiled by Martin Dubravka.

The best chance of all fell to Shane Long but he swept the ball wide. “We had something like 22 shots and haven’t been able to convert one of them,” said manager Hughes.

Like Southampton, Newcastle have scored only six goals in their opening 10 games and their own start to the season is their worst since 1898.

“We have to consider where we are and where they are,” said manager Rafa Benitez. “They needed to win, they pushed hard in the second half. I have to take the positives. In terms of team spirit, I cannot complain about that.”