RUSSELL Martin believes a draw was a fair result after his side bounced back to draw 4-4 with Norwich City on Saturday.

Adam Armstrong's injury-time penalty drew a high-paced tie at St Mary's to close after Christian Fassnacht thought he had won Norwich the game.

Speaking after the game, Martin noted that he was disappointed to concede four goals but happy with how his side turned the game around.

"It was entertaining," he quipped.

"I think there were too many moments that we wouldn’t have wanted.

"We came up against a team whose biggest strength is playing in transition and their ability to counterattack and have pace and power to do that.

"We gave them too many moments to do that.

"I’m angry and annoyed at conceding four goals but on the other hand, we’re so pleased and proud of the lads’ character to be the aggressor with the ball and to be so dominant in some parts.

“There’s a lot to learn from today and to improve on. We paid for some miles earlier in the game.”

A shakey start led to Southampton falling behind early when Josh Sargent rose highest to head in on seven minutes.

Saints didn't allow their disappointment to fester and immediately rallied to take the lead with two quickfire goals.

With Norwich having then retaken the lead just before the break, Martin felt his team had the perfect opportunity to show the home supporters what they are made of.

"It was the first time back here for everyone and our first time here in the league after last year’s disappointment.

“I think there was just too much nervousness, which I can understand, and to concede a goal so early changes the context of the game.

“I said at halftime that they had a brilliant opportunity to show some real character and togetherness and to carry on being the team we want to be.

"The opportunities on the counter became a bit less in the second half.

“We looked so likely to score and win it at 3-3 and we make a mistake and they score.

"To have the character to come back from that is probably the fair result for both teams.

“I would have been really disappointed if we lost and gutted for the players and the supporters.

“Adam Armstrong played three different positions today at various times.

"He was outstanding in all of them. One of the loudest cheers of the game was when he ran back 60 yards and took the ball back.

“We needed more of that, especially in the first half, we didn’t have enough of that.

"I think the players back each other so much sometimes and they think they can let another person deal with it.”