Romeu comes to the rescue for Saints

SOUTHAMPTON 1

(Romeu 73)

ASTON VILLA 1

(Lescott 44)

Southampton halted a run of three straight defeats, but could only eke out a comeback draw against Remi Garde’s struggling Aston Villa at St Mary’s.

Joleon Lescott gave the visitors an undeserved lead with a goal in the first half, but substitute Oriol Romeu secured a draw.

Further chances came Southampton’s way in the closing stages when, notably, another substitute, Shane Long, went close with a strike from distance, though a winning goal eluded them.

It does little for their hopes of survival, but Villa, who remain bottom of the table, should be grateful for the point.