Verdict: Saints waste golden chance to close gap on Championship summit

Dan Hargraves argues that Southampton wasted an ideal opportunity to close the gap on the Championship summit after securing just one point across two away matches. Following a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, Tonda Eckert's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to bottom-placed Preston North End courtesy of a 33rd-minute goal from Jordan Thompson, leaving Saints five points adrift of the top two spots heading into the international break.

Hargraves notes that despite dominating with 89 percent possession against Preston, Saints struggled to create clear-cut chances with attackers Lewis Dobbin and Divin Mubama failing to impress. While promotion rivals Middlesbrough and West Ham United also dropped points, Birmingham City took advantage to move top of the table. Southampton now face an injury concern after defender Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder.