The frosty reception that Rafa Benitez has been getting ever since taking over at Chelsea was not quite on view at St Mary's, as Mauricio Pochettino, in his first match in charge of Southampton, saw his new side play out a goalless draw with Everton in the English Premier League Monday.
There were widespread talks of white-handkerchief protests to be adopted during the game by Saints fans in protest of the firing of Nigel Adkins, however, the crowd were instead treated to a game in which Southampton would have felt a little aggrieved to not have walked away with all three points.
Rickie Lambert was a constant threat to the Everton defense, with the Saints forward striking the woodwork, as well as forcing a couple of good saves from goalkeeper Tim Howard.
"Tonight we have done very well and created at least seven good chances to score," Pochettino told Sky Sports via an interpreter.
"The only shame was that we didn't score the goals but we created a lot of chances facing a very good side in Everton who are fifth in the league.
"We deserve a lot of credit although we did suffer a bit more in the second half.
"But we were creating chances and just needed that bit more luck."
Everton were surprisingly poor, rarely threatening in an abject first half performance, with their feat in the second period, despite an improvement from the first, not too much to write about either.
"After the way we played in the first half, I was frustrated," Everton manager David Moyes said
"In the second half, we got good opportunities but we couldn't nick a goal.
"We didn't play well and Southampton have been playing well. I've been to see them a couple of times and they continued that form, particularly in the first half.
"I've got to say I thought their team did really well. I give Nigel (Adkins) a lot of credit. I saw his team play at Chelsea and they were excellent.
"Now there's a new manager taking over the reins and they've played well."
The draw meant, Southampton remain unbeaten in six games, and four points adrift of the relegation places. Everton failed to capitalize on their opportunity to go to within one point of fourth-placed Everton, and remain fifth on 38 points.
