It really is a sign of how far Southampton have come as they left Goodison Park disappointed with a 1-1 draw, after being much the better side against Everton.
Manager Ronald Koeman felt his side failed to capitalise on their opportunities on goal which now sees the Saints small hopes of reaching the top four made even smaller, as they now sit six points behind fourth placed Manchester City having played two more games.
Despite being much the better side against the Toffees, who have a poor record at their own ground, it was the home side who took the lead through defender Ramiro Funes Mori, albeit a shot which was deflected off Saints defender Ryan Bertrand.
Even though the south coast side did go behind they continued to dominate and got their well-deserved equaliser through Sadio Mane, who swept the ball home fourteen minutes from time.
Koeman frustrated
Koeman felt the south coast side missed a good chance to take all three points, he said: “I’m really disappointed because it was a really big opportunity to win the game. We had a lot of space to play but in the final part it was not good enough.”
The Dutchman though did also praise his sides resolve to fight back from a goal down though added: “We want to fight for Europe and it is not a step forward.”
Four games to go
With four matches remaining in the Premier League for the Saints this season it looks as though they will just miss out on the race for the Champions League, but no doubt will take heart from another excellent season.
They will now focus their eyes on next Saturday as they take on, already relegated, Aston Villa at Villa Park in a match that Koeman will fully expect his side to pick up all three points and continue to apply pressure on the teams above.