Southampton and Portsmouth played to a 0-0 draw in a disappointing south coast derby. The match lacked attacking quality, with both sides failing to create clear-cut chances. Despite the rivalry, the game ended in a stalemate, highlighting areas for improvement for both teams as they look ahead in the Championship season.
The highly anticipated south coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that perhaps reflected the lack of attacking quality on display at St. Mary’s Stadium. This Championship encounter marked the first meeting between the fierce rivals since 2019, when Southampton convincingly defeated Portsmouth 4-0 in the EFL Cup. However, the league encounter, the first since 2012, failed to live up to the hype, leaving fans yearning for more.
Despite the palpable tension and fervent atmosphere, the match lacked clear-cut chances and moments of genuine brilliance. Portsmouth arguably had the better of the first half, with Andre Dozzell’s early strike against the crossbar proving to be the visitors' closest attempt. Southampton, however, struggled to find their rhythm, with their attacking play often disjointed and lacking in penetration.
The second half saw Southampton gain a slightly better foothold in the game, but their attacking efforts remained largely ineffective. Cameron Archer delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but no Southampton player was on hand to convert. A header from Taylor Harwood-Bellis also went narrowly over the bar, summing up Southampton's frustrating afternoon in front of goal.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, continued to defend resolutely, frustrating Southampton’s attacking endeavors. Their compact defensive shape and disciplined approach made it difficult for the home side to create any sustained periods of pressure. While they posed less of a threat going forward in the second half, their defensive solidity ensured that they remained a threat to snatch a goal on the counter-attack.
In the end, neither side could find the breakthrough, with both teams only managing a single shot on target throughout the entire match. The lack of attacking quality was evident, with Southampton creating chances worth only 0.88 expected goals (xG), while Portsmouth mustered a mere 0.6 xG. The statistics paint a clear picture of a game lacking in creativity and cutting edge.
The result means that the last three league encounters between Southampton and Portsmouth have now ended in draws, although this was the first goalless stalemate in that sequence. While both teams will undoubtedly be disappointed not to have secured bragging rights, the draw perhaps reflects the evenly contested nature of the match, even if it lacked the fireworks that many had anticipated.
The game highlighted areas for improvement for both sides. Southampton will need to find more creativity and firepower in attack if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge. Portsmouth, meanwhile, will be encouraged by their defensive resilience but will need to offer more of a threat going forward if they are to consistently pick up points away from home.
Here is the post from Southampton FC:
A draw in the derby. pic.twitter.com/TgnnPK6YjV
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 14, 2025