Points shared as Southampton and West Ham grind it out

James Collins wastes late chance to seal it for Hammers

West Ham’s James Collins kicks the ball over the bar during their Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium. Photograph: Andrew Winning/Reuters
West Ham’s James Collins kicks the ball over the bar during their Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium. Photograph: Andrew Winning/Reuters

Southampton 0 West Ham 0: Southampton and West Ham United cancelled each other out in a dismal 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Sunday.

On a bleak day on the English south coast neither side possessed much attacking quality although it was Southampton who carved out the better opportunities.

West Ham's veteran Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen made a couple of fine saves, one to deny England striker Rickie Lambert in the closing stages and another to keep out Morgan Schneiderlin's skidding volley.

The visitors nearly snatched an unlikely victory late on but James Collins showed why he is a central defender not a centre forward by blazing a shot over the bar when unmarked in the centre of the penalty area.

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Both sides have five points from their opening four games although a lack of goals will be a worry, especially for West Ham who are likely to be without striker Andy Carroll for several weeks with a foot injury.