SAINTS kicked off St Mary’s action in the Championship with an entertaining 4-4 draw against Norwich City, in Russell Martin’s first home match as boss.

It meant back-to-back 4-4 draws for the home support after the same result against Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League season in May.

Adam Armstrong scored twice from the spot on an afternoon which also saw Jan Bednarek and Che Adams net equalisers.

Here is how we rated Southampton’s players…

Gavin Bazunu – 6.

Couldn’t have done anything about the first two goals. Striker favourite for the third too. Got himself in a trap on the ball but was quick to clear when needed. A Norwich fourth was ruled out for offside after he made a good save but parried into danger. Another vital save late in fixture at 3-3.

Kyle Walker-Peters – 6.

Gave away the ball in the corner and lost out physical battle to leave Norwich an easy square and goal – but blocked by Stephens. Involved in the scramble that saw Adams score. Part of a defence that conceded four at home. Won the penalty for the late equaliser.

Jack Stephens – 5.

The new captain had a header well saved that led to Bednarek’s opener. Struggled with balls in gaps behind him. Unbelievable block to bail out Walker-Peters and stop Norwich taking a certain 3-2 lead. Part of a defence that conceded four at home.

Jan Bednarek – 6.

In the right place to pull Saints level. All Saints defending was diabolical in first-half. Nearly got his feet caught in possession while being hounded and had to take a yellow card to save face. Part of a defence that conceded four at home.

Ryan Manning – 5.

Started a counter but was not capitalised on by teammates. Tried his luck from range but well over and a dangerous free-kick was crossed into the stands. Was among the top passers in the fixture. Mistake trying to clear in the area gifted Norwich’s fourth.

Will Smallbone – 7.

Not as tidy and his progressive attempts were cut out in first half. His ball in handled for Saints penalty. Not offering protection to defence. Yellow carded for a foul when beaten in midfield. Created chances for his teammates again. Looked to shoot from range and forced corners.

Stuart Armstrong – 6.

Tasked with replacing James Ward-Prowse and was part of a midfield that was not defensively sound. By the time of his substitution, he had completed the most dribbles (3) in the match.

Charly Alcaraz – 6.

Loose touches all through the match to concede possession. Shot from an acute angle behind for a corner, which led to the first Saints equaliser. Cracking effort in second half just over the bar. Wasteful with chances but involved up to the end.

Nathan Tella – 7.

Was fouled three times in the first 60 minutes, making him the most fouled player in the match. Only managed one shot throughout and a comparatively low pass success rate to his teammates. Had to be chopped down on edge of area in added time.

Samuel Edozie – 6.

Beat his man to win corners on a few occasions. Not able to create any big chances. Had to be substituted almost immediately on the restart through injury.

Adam Armstrong – 8.

Pressure penalty amid criticism and murmurs in the ground when he stepped up but converted. Had another soft header cleared comfortably off the line. Tracked half the pitch to make a superb sliding challenge and get fans off their seats in second half. Had another one cleared off line with acrobatic volley late in game. Finished another high-pressure penalty for an added time equaliser.

Substitutes  

Che Adams – 8.

Came on with almost a whole half to play. Instant impact with leveller in just 10 minutes of the second period, powerful low finish. Booked for pulling Angus Gunn back as he looked to start a counterattack.

Shea Charles – 7.

Came on after 66 minutes. Exceptional block to keep the scores level after a Bazunu save. The team was more defensively solid after he was added to the pitch.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw 7.

Brave in attack and helped stretch Norwich with a late cameo. Only played just over 10  minutes including added time.