Eckert praises Saints' fight but frustrated by set-piece pain
Tonda Eckert was pleased with the fighting spirit of his Southampton side on derby day at Fratton Park, but was left ruing familiar set-piece frustrations as Portsmouth claimed a share of the spoils.
Saints had the two biggest chances of a competitive first half, with Adam Armstrong twice denied by goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, before Leo Scienza made the breakthrough 12 minutes into the second period.
From there Saints looked to have the game under control, but an untidy equaliser from a 77th-minute corner denied the visitors a first league win at Fratton Park in 50 years.
“I think our fans were amazing. When we walked into the stadium they were already behind the goal. It was amazing support today, I only heard them sing over the 90 minutes,” Eckert said, reflecting on his first south coast derby.
“I think we had good chances to go up in the first half. You know in a game like this it’s not going to be a lot of chances on both sides, but a big fight over 90 minutes.
“We did fight over 90 minutes, but we need to make sure that when we go up in the second half that we bring the game over the line.
“I think the 15 minutes after the goal we were clearly on top. It became quite calm at that point. It was just one set-piece that we need to defend better.
“After the equaliser the game just becomes a little bit more open, a little bit scrappy towards the end. In the end it’s about managing those moments of the game.
“It’s the biggest game of the season for us, we know this. For us as a group, for the fans, for the whole club.
“It’s not about being beautiful in every single moment of the game, but accepting the fight, and I think we did this to 100 per cent over the whole 90 minutes.”
Eckert was forced to substitute Scienza nine minutes after his goal, confirming a groin injury for the Brazilian.
“It’s his groin. We need to assess him over the next days; let’s hope it’s nothing serious,” he added.
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