Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs Southampton. UEFA Europa League Group K.
Turner StadiumAttendance16,138.
Thursday 29 September 2016 21:38, UK
Southampton earned a goalless draw against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Israel in their Europa League Group K clash on Thursday.
In a game of few chances, Virgil van Dijk squandered Southampton's clearest opening when he headed wide from James Ward-Prowse's free-kick after four minutes.
Maor Melikson went close for the hosts in the second half, but both teams seemed happy to play for a point in the closing stages.
The draw sees Be'er Sheva and Southampton move onto four points each after two matches, with the Saints travelling to Inter Milan next in the competition on October 20.
Claude Puel, who left Charlie Austin, Jose Fonte, Steven Davis and Ryan Bertrand at home ahead of Sunday's clash with Leicester, made seven changes from the 3-0 win over West Ham, including a European debut for youngster Jake Hesketh.
The Frenchman's side were largely second best in the first half, but should have gone in front after just four minutes when Van Dijk miscued his header from Ward-Prowse's dangerous delivery.
Anthony Nwakaeme's firm strike from distance was as good as it got for Be'er Sheva, who dominated possession without threatening Fraser Forster.
But Puel, clearly unhappy with a lethargic first-half display, replaced Hesketh with Dusan Tadic 11 minutes before the break.
The Serbia international made a difference, and linked up well with Cuco Martina down Southampton's right, but too often a poor final ball let the visitors down.
Ward-Prowse forced David Goresh into a smart stop with Southampton's first shot on target on 51 minutes, while substitute Ben Sahar was inches away from turning home Melikson's cross-shot for Be'er-Sheva.
The Israeli champions struggled to break down their Premier League opponents for much of the evening, but the lively Nwakaeme did waste a promising opportunity when he dragged wide after Maya Yoshida's poor clearance.
The stalemate means Southampton, who face Leicester at the King Power on Sunday, stay top of Group K on four points thanks to their superior goal difference over Be'er Sheva.
Inter Milan's 3-1 defeat in Prague leaves the Serie A giants bottom of the group, with Sparta Prague third on three points.