This game was begging for a player to take the attention away from the missing Virgil van Dijk and Gylfi Sigurdsson – but no one could oblige in the goalless draw at St Mary's Stadium.

With the unsettled Van Dijk angling for a move from Southampton, just as City’s Sigurdsson is being linked with a big-money transfer, it was the Saints who coped far better without their talisman.

Southampton created the best chances with 28 shots on target and came the closest to breaking the deadlock when Manolo Gabbiadini’s smart header caught both the defence and Lukasz Fabianski napping – only to clip the top of the bar.

The Saints could have nicked all three points right at the death when when Maya Yoshida fired a free-kick just wide and substitute Charlie Austin hit the ball into the side netting as both sides had to settle for a point.

Our man at the ground, Hector Nunns, has run the rule over how the debutants performed.

New Saints manager – Mauricio Pellegrino

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Image:
Getty Images Europe)

The new Southampton manager went for the casual look on the touchline, alongside Swansea’s Paul Clement who was suited and booted.

But there was nothing informal about the way he set up his team for a first Premier League match, after arriving from La Liga club Alaves over the summer.

The Argentinian knew a bit about defending as a player for Barcelona, Valencia, and for a brief time Liverpool. It was only goals that were missing today and Saints should have had three or four.

Even without unsettled star defender Virgil van Dijk, missing with a virus, the pairing of Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida kept Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew fairly quiet.

Mirror Football verdict: HIT

Tammy Abraham (loan, Chelsea)

Tammy Abraham enjoyed his Premier League debut for Southampton (
Image:
Rex Features)

The teenage striker scored for fun for Bristol City on loan from Chelsea in the Championship last season – and that saw the level of suitor go up a few notches for Abraham.

The going is expected to be a lot tougher this season, with the Premier League champions keen to see how he will fare against tougher defences.

The 19-year-old forward was only inches off target with a towering header after just 10 minutes, served up with an inviting cross from the right.

And in the 46 minute a brilliant turn from a player full of confidence almost yielded a goal, but for another last-ditch Southampton block. Brought off after 80 minutes.

Mirror Football verdict: HIT