Five takeaways from Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham City | OneFootball

Southampton were held 1-1 at Birmingham City on a quiet deadline night that followed the announcement of centre-back Zach Abbott. Sainstmarching.com notes five key takeaways from the stalemate.

Birmingham squandered early chances, then Keven Schlotterbeck capped his second start by heading in Leo Scienza’s delivery for the lead. August Priske levelled for the hosts and the points were shared.

Schlotterbeck, 29, offered the set-piece and aerial threat once carried by Taylor Harwood-Bellis, powering in a bullet header from Scienza’s ball. It was a timely contribution from the new signing.

Saints travelled light, with Abbott, Caspar Jander and Sam Edozie absent, which left options thin. Tonda Eckert prefers a smaller, flexible squad, so he will again be hoping the medical team keep bodies available.

First-choice goalkeeper Daniel Peretz endured a rough night at St Andrew’s, his distribution unusually erratic for the 26-year-old. One miscue went straight out of play and invited pressure, so he will want to move on quickly before Lincoln City away on Saturday.

Birmingham right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel kept Scienza quiet for long spells and the winger later described it as an important point on a difficult pitch. Even so, Scienza created four chances, the most on the pitch, and supplied the assist.

James Ward-Prowse drew a hush before a second-half free-kick that James Beadle parried. The 31-year-old’s cameo helped steady midfield rhythm and he looks a snip at £800k. Attention now turns to Lincoln, where a win would lift Southampton to an average of two points from the first five, which is automatic promotion form.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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