Southampton 0-0 Portsmouth: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Southampton 0-0 Portsmouth in the Championship on Sunday, 14 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Well, that was a proper stalemate at St. Mary's, wasn't it? Southampton and Portsmouth couldn't break the deadlock, finishing with a 0-0 draw. Given Southampton's recent form, with a draw against Watford and a loss to Stoke, you might've thought they'd be hungry for a win at home. But no, it was a game of few chances and even fewer thrills. Portsmouth, on the other hand, will be chuffed with the point, especially after their solid win against Preston. Neither side managed to extend or end any runs today, but it's clear both teams left it all out there, even if the scoreboard didn't show it.

The game was a bit of a chess match, with both teams cautious and disciplined. Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens picked up early yellows, which might've made them a bit more reserved. Portsmouth's Zak Swanson also saw yellow, but it was their keeper, Ben Killip, coming on early that might've been the key moment. Despite the lack of goals, you could see the effort from both sides, but it just wasn't their day in front of goal. A point each, and both teams will be looking to build on this in their next outings.

Well, that was a proper stalemate at St. Mary's, wasn't it? Southampton and Portsmouth couldn't break the deadlock, finishing with a 0-0 draw. Given Southampton's recent form, with a draw against Watford and a loss to Stoke, you might've thought they'd be hungry for a win at home. But no, it was a game of few chances and even fewer thrills. Portsmouth, on the other hand, will be chuffed with the point, especially after their solid win against Preston. Neither side managed to extend or end any runs today, but it's clear both teams left it all out there, even if the scoreboard didn't show it.

The game was a bit of a chess match, with both teams cautious and disciplined. Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens picked up early yellows, which might've made them a bit more reserved. Portsmouth's Zak Swanson also saw yellow, but it was their keeper, Ben Killip, coming on early that might've been the key moment. Despite the lack of goals, you could see the effort from both sides, but it just wasn't their day in front of goal. A point each, and both teams will be looking to build on this in their next outings.

The key moments in this match were more about discipline and changes than goals. Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens both picked up yellows just before and after halftime, which might've affected their approach in the second half. Flynn Downes and Mads Roerslev Rasmussen also saw yellow, showing Southampton's growing frustration. The home side made five substitutions in the last 20 minutes, bringing on Adam Armstrong, Caspar Jander, Ross Stewart, Leonardo Weschenfelder-Scienza, and Jay Robinson, but none could make the difference.

For Portsmouth, the early substitution of Ben Killip in the 26th minute was crucial, as he helped keep a clean sheet. Zak Swanson's yellow card just before halftime was a moment of tension, but Portsmouth managed to keep their cool. John Swift's yellow in the 73rd minute and the double substitution of Terry Devlin and Luke Le Roux in the 76th minute showed their intent to push for a winner, but it wasn't to be. Both teams fought hard, but the key moments didn't lead to the goals they needed.

Southampton lined up with a strong side, featuring Gavin Bazunu in goal and a backline of Mads Roerslev, Jack Stephens, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Ryan Manning. The midfield was anchored by Flynn Downes and Shea Charles, with Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz, and Ryan Fraser supporting Cameron Archer up top. The early yellows for Harwood-Bellis and Stephens might've disrupted their rhythm, but they held firm at the back.

The five substitutions made by Southampton in the latter stages of the game were a clear sign of their desperation to find a winner. Adam Armstrong, Caspar Jander, Ross Stewart, Leonardo Weschenfelder-Scienza, and Jay Robinson all came on, but none could break the deadlock. Despite the changes, Southampton's performance was solid but lacked the cutting edge needed to secure all three points.

Portsmouth came out with a lineup featuring Nicolas Schmid in goal, a back four of Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, and Connor Ogilvie, and a midfield duo of John Swift and Andre Dozzell. The attacking line was made up of Adrian Segečić, Conor Chaplin, Josh Murphy, and Colby Bishop. The early substitution of Ben Killip for Schmid was a significant move, and Killip's performance was key to their clean sheet.

Portsmouth made four substitutions throughout the game, with Jordan Williams, Terry Devlin, and Luke Le Roux coming on to try and change the game's momentum. Zak Swanson's yellow card just before halftime was a moment of concern, but the team managed to keep their discipline. Overall, Portsmouth's lineup and substitutions showed a team that was well-organized and determined to secure a point away from home.

Gavin Bazunu is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, and it's easy to see why. With one save, zero goals conceded, two clearances, and one punch, Bazunu was a rock at the back for Southampton. His performance was crucial in ensuring they kept a clean sheet, even if they couldn't find the back of the net themselves. A solid showing from the young keeper.

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Portsmouth (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Stoke City (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich Town (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Norwich City (H)

Sitting at 15th with 6 points, Southampton will be looking to bounce back when they face Hull City, who are 20th with 5 points, on September 20, 2025. This result might push them to be more aggressive in their next game, especially at home. They'll need to find a way to turn their possession into goals if they want to climb the table

With 8 points and sitting at 9th, Portsmouth will take confidence from this result as they prepare to face Sheffield Wednesday, who are struggling at 23rd with just 1 point, on September 20, 2025. This draw could be a springboard for them to push for a win in their next match. They'll need to keep their defensive solidity while finding ways to be more clinical in attack.

Championship Game Week 6, 25/26

• Middlesbrough Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Stoke City

• Birmingham Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Coventry

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Preston

• Hull City Vs Southampton

• Portsmouth Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Sheffield United Vs Charlton

• Norwich City Vs Wrexham

• Bristol City Vs Oxford Utd

• Millwall Vs Watford

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.