The Premier League re started in front of deserted stadiums and on the pitch it was a different sort of game to the usual frenetic action, but when the dust had settled the results were probably the right ones for Saints fans.

The game that concerned Saints fans the most though was the clash between Aston Villa and Sheffield United with Saints supporters having one eye on perhaps catching Sheffield United and another on getting dragged into the relegation battle, yes perhaps both scenarios are unlikely they are both possible.

In the game itself Sheffield United seemed to have lost the impetus they had built up and it was Aston Villa who seemed to have the greater desire, however it was they who should have taken the lead when the Villa goalkeeper clearly carried the ball over the goal line but the referee's watch did not buzz.

This was not the referee's fault but it highlighted a glitch in the system and the Blades would be disappointed that neither the ref not the VAR team initiated a VAR review.

The game ended 0-0 and for Saints this was probably the best result, it meant Villa were still 8 points behind us after this point and that Sheffield United in 6th place although 8 points ahead can themselves be caught if they play with the lack of drive and composure they displayed at Villa Park.

The game at the Etihad was of interest to Saints in only that if Arsenal lost as they did, then they remain in 9th only 6 points ahead of us, like Sheffield United with a visit to St Mary's in the final 9 games, we can win these and look to catch them.

So a good night for Southampton FC in the opening games of Project Re Start, but the real work for us starts on Friday night at Carrow Road where the result there will determine whether we look up the table with hope or we look nervously over our shoulders.

Photo: Action Images

halftimeorange added 10:01 - Jun 18 The lengths gone to to prevent Sheff U securing a top four spot. Makes you wonder, doesn't it.
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wibbersda added 15:09 - Jun 18 Why is no one mentioning that the Keeper was pushed over the line by Sheffield United Player? It's quite clear when you get the correct angle.
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SaintStu7 added 21:12 - Jun 18 It was his own player that pushed him over the line!
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