Southampton drew 0-0 to Hapoel Be’er-Sheeva in the Europa League group stages.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic in action with Hapoel Be’er-Sheva’s Anthony Nwakaeme
Southampton failed to entertain travelling fans after a goalless result in Israel against Hapoel Be’er Sheeva. The Saints only managed to pick up one point in what was a disappointing game all round.
The Saints surprisingly did not have a single shot on target in the first-half. Manager Claude Puel had decided to leave out four key first team players for their second Group K match.
Puel’s biggest call was leaving Charlie Austin at home; and without him the Saints were in desperate need of a goal scoring threat up front.
The Frenchman also left out Ryan Bertrand, Jose Fonte and Steven Davis – all three alongside Austin would have made a difference to the team. The main problem for Puel is the lack of squad depth – this illustrated he can’t afford to leave his best players out and expect the side not to suffer.
Southampton’s Shane Long in action with Hapoel Be’er-Sheva’s Loai Taha
In the second-half, the game improved with Maor Melikson and Ben Sahar going close for the hosts. Hapoel looked like the better side and were unlucky not to take away three points.
The Saints struggled and put in a lacklustre performance, but despite this Southampton remain top of the group on goal difference and look set to qualify for the knockout stages.
Southampton will make the trip back to Israel to face Champions Leicester on Sunday at the King Power Stadium.
Fans took to Twitter after the game to react to their side’s performance and Puel’s decision to take youngster Jake Hesketh off the pitch after just 35 minutes:
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