Former Southampton star says Portsmouth draw highlighted one big transfer window mistake

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Southampton and Portsmouth couldn’t be separated in the highly-anticipated South Coast derby clash.

The game at St Mary’s Stadium was the first league meeting between the two sides in 13 years, however, it was a game that saw very few chances.

John Mousinho lost first-choice goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid to injury in the first half but Southampton couldn’t test his replacement, Ben Killip.

A 0-0 draw was the first goalless encounter between the two sides in 125 years and for former Saints star Jo Tessem, it highlighted one mistake they made in the transfer window.

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‘Horrendous’ Southampton should have signed a striker in transfer window

Tessem was a part of the BBC Radio Solent commentary team covering the fixture.

The former Saints man was very critical of their first half display, but felt that the result proved that Southampton missed a trick by not signing a striker.

He said on BBC Solent: “Southampton were horrendous in the first half, way too many loose passes. They were clearing the ball just for the sake of it. There was a lack of quality in my eyes.

“It was better in the second half because the tempo was better, but they need to improve.

“Southampton not bringing in a striker in the transfer window is a big mistake.”

Southampton are yet to get going this season

Last season is one that everyone at St Mary’s wants to forget.

Appointing Will Still was the reset button the club needed to hit, but it is fair to say that they are nowhere near their best yet.

Losing key duo Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes hit hard, while it’s too early to judge the new additions like Tom Fellows and Leo Scienza.

One win from their opening five games has been a disappointing return so far. Do they have what it takes to pick things up?