POSSESSION is nine-tenths of the law, but without purpose or end product it's just window dressing.
As substitute Stuart Armstrong's late equaliser preserved Southampton's unbeaten run and extended it to 22 matches, Saints cut it fine.
They dominated the ball, deserved their replay and almost nicked it at the first time of asking.
But it needed Armstrong's clever, intuitive finish, wrongfooting Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann at his near post, a minute from the end of normal time to earn a replay at St Mary's.
The Saints will fancy their chances of landing a trip to the Jurgen Klopp Farewell Show at Anfield in the last 16.
But manager Russell Martin's nine changes almost backfired in their second 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road this season.
It was only after his quadruple substitution around the hour mark that Southampton turned the screw in terms of meaningful goal attempts
This story is from the January 29, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the January 29, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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