Southampton 1-1 Ipswich: Visitors snatch dramatic draw at St Mary’s

Lallana set up a player half his age as he provided a fine pass which Dibling controlled well to create space away from two Ipswich defenders, with the midfielder – a product of the Southampton academy – scoring his first senior goal.

That was the first time the Saints had led in a league match this season and they nearly doubled their advantage 22 minutes later.

Archer took the ball around Muric but from a tight angle could only hit the base of the left-hand upright.

The visitors enjoyed a bright spell before the break but Aaron Ramsdale kept the Saints in front.

Dara O’Shea headed at the former Arsenal keeper, who then denied Leif Davis at the near post and spectacularly tipped over Omari Hutchinson’s 22-yard effort.

Sammie Szmodics fired against the side netting when striking first time from Hutchinson’s through ball as Ipswich pushed for a deserved equaliser.

Southampton were closing in on their first win in the Premier League since 4 March 2023, when they beat Leicester 1-0 at St Mary’s, before the late drama.

The visitors nearly scored in seven minutes of added time but Ramsdale excellently tipped over George Hirst’s effort, only for the goalkeeper to be finally beaten late on by Morsy’s deflected 25-yard strike.

“It was a fantastic way to finish the game,” said McKenna. “For the captain to step up, strike it well and for the goal to come in front of the away supporters to get a point is a great thing for the group to go through.

“It builds on what we have done over the last few years. Scoring late goals and never giving up has been a massive part of our success so for a new group it’s good for them to go through that.

“If you take out [Manchester] City and Liverpool in our first two games, it’s three games in a row where we have been competitive.

“We’re edging in the right direction. It’s about keep developing as a team, keep improving and the points will take care of themselves.”