Southampton's fighting finish was admirable. It followed a promising performance in defeat by Manchester United on Thursday, meaning those looking for positives will see a side still battling despite a bleak situation. They continue to make errors leading to goals, however - a trait they must stop if they are to have any chances of staying up.

It is impossible to avoid the sense that something special is stirring on the Trent. Nottingham Forest averted a late scare to dispatch bottom club Southampton to move level on points with second-placed Arsenal and extend their unbeaten run to eight Premier League matches.