Most glaring was Nicolas Anelka’s attempt to score his sixth of the season for City 12 minutes from the end but his shot was blocked when Joey Barton was unmarked in a much better position.

Saints substitutes Neil McCann and Peter Crouch, who replaced suspected broken toe victim James Beattie after just 16 minutes, both spurned clear chances right at the end.

Niemi eventually recovered and made brave saves from a Macken shot and then a header before Crouch and Phillips conspired to break away down Southampton’s left after Dunne finished up on the floor and looked unlucky not to be given a free kick.

Saints could make nothing of the possession, though, with Distin executing a vital interception on the edge of the area.

Anelka squandered a marvellous chance to snatch a win 12 minutes from the end when, fed by Macken, he elected selfishly to go on and shoot with Barton unmarked in a much better position. The Frenchman’s effort was blocked.

Suitably encouraged, Saints turned to attack again and Phillips was marginally offside in a promising move before shooting wide at the end of another.

And, in a grandstand finish, substitute Neil McCann missed a glorious chance after Phillips took advantage of Distin’s slip before Crouch’s point-blank header landed straight in the arms of James.

Right at the death Phillips just failed to the advancing James with the final chance of the match.