Southampton piled more misery on relegation-threatened Sunderland by securing a 1-1 draw in stoppage time at St Mary's on Saturday.

The match had proven to be somewhat of a stalemate up until a flash point in the 79th minute, which resulted in Jose Fonte being shown a red card for a last-man challenge on Fabio Borini.

The Black Cats capitalised on the one-man advantage less than six minutes later, with Jermaine Defoe finding the back of the net following neat build-up play from Lamine Kone.

Southampton did not relent however, and broke the hearts of Sunderland supporters when Virgil van Dijk managed to find space in a crowded penalty area to fire home from 12 yards out.

MATCH OVERVIEW


Southampton: 1 (Virgil van Dijk 90+3')

Sunderland: 1 (Jermain Defoe 85')

St Mary's Stadium, Southampton – 31,458

TALKING POINTS


Southampton will see the draw against a struggling Sunderland team as two points dropped, especially as it was a golden opportunity to continue their push for a place in the Europa League next season.

Despite undoubtedly being upset at conceding so late in the contest, the point the Black Cats picked up could prove to be invaluable in their push to avoid relegation this season as it takes them out of the drop zone with just nine matches remaining.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Southampton travel to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City on Saturday, with Sunderland face Tyneside rivals Newcastle United in a fortnight's time.

TWITTER INSIGHT

Very disappointed not to bring home 3 points today. The support was amazing though as it always is! Thank you!!! #safc@SunderlandAFC
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) March 5, 2016

Following the 0-1 we did great, considering we were 10 against 11. Prior to this, not at our level. pic.twitter.com/FZOv2Fs3ea
— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) March 5, 2016

Good attitude from the team to level the game with 10 men. That's the way. We'll give everything in the next one! pic.twitter.com/hcOSTWmvHe
— Oriol Romeu (@OriolRomeu) March 5, 2016

QUOTES CORNER

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was pleased with the way his side responded following Fonte's send-off:

"For 85 minutes, we were not at the level I expect of Southampton. I think we lack confidence at the moment. They made it very difficult with their defensive organisation. We played better football with one player less on the pitch."

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce was devastated his side conceded such a late equaliser:

"The dejection amongst us all is clear. It was so important to see this game out. We know how important three points would have been. If we'd have got the win, we'd have had a gap for next weekend when we're not playing. We dropped a massive clanger in those last few seconds.


STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta


23 - Jermain Defoe has scored more Premier League goals as a substitute than any other player in the history of the competition. Super.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 5, 2016