Three things we learned from Southampton FC draw at Watford

A 1-1 draw with a Watford team looking to mount a playoff charge of their own meant Saints slipped two points behind their challengers this time. 

However, their 12-game unbeaten run rolls on and, under the management of Russell Martin, they promise to be among the division's best come May. 

With 20 fixtures played and 26 more to go, here is what we learned about Saints from their most recent Championship outing... 

Tough task to catch the top two for automatic promotion

Che Adams scored Southampton's only goal of the game at Vicarage Road (Image: PA)

Although Saints are 12 matches unbeaten and there is more than half the season to play, it is obvious how tough it will be to catch the top two. 

When Martin's side were embroiled in war with Watford, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Leeds United entered added time of their matches already comfortable winners. 

Dispatching Plymouth Argyle, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers respectively, Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds are 11, 10 and three points ahead of Saints. 

It is hardly a stick to beat Saints with though. Having won 38 points from 20 matches, they would take just over 87 points if they kept up the same pace the whole season.

Under former manager Nigel Adkins, Saints were promoted from the Championship automatically with 88 points at the end of the 2011-12 season. 

However, on only three occasions since has 87 been enough for automatic promotion while Leicester and Ipswich have both pulled off Championship record best starts. 

All league fixtures are of equal importance but facing all three teams above Saints in the final nine matches of the season could keep the club's destiny in their hands. 

It could go all the way to the final day to Elland Road in May, but Martin himself accepted Saints "can't have too many slip-ups" if they are to achieve their principle target. 

Nothing is out of the question at this stage of the season and it is going to be another fascinating campaign in the world's best second division. 

Cutting edge should be first focus of recruitment 

Adam Armstrong is the Championship's second-top scorer this season (Image: PA)

Che Adams added to his Championship account and ended a 112-day, 13-game goal drought with what should have been the winner at Vicarage Road. 

Meanwhile, the numbers of his assister, Adam Armstrong, are bettered by only Sammie Szmodics with 12 goals already for Saints this season.

Will Smallbone has scored three and there are a handful of two-time contributors, but Saints could still do with some more goals. 

They should have done more to capitalise on the opportunities they did have to kill the game at Watford and created more opportunities full stop. 

Martin is without potential starters in club-record signing Kamaldeen Sulemana and deadline day addition Ross Stewart, ruled out until mid-to-late January by injury. 

They will be back but it may be prudent to avoid gambling on their fitness and availability to fulfill the team's potential this season. 

Only four teams have scored more than Martin's side (34) but Saints have won games by two goals on only three occasions and not yet by more. 

In the five previous Championship matches before Saturday's visit to Watford, Saints managed an impressive 74 shots, scoring seven. 

When it comes to recruitment, it is unknown exactly what funds will be made available but whatever is does not need to be spent on the team's defence anyway. 

There is a settled goalkeeper, back four and defensive midfielder for every minute if fit, with quality the likes of Jack Stephens, James Bree and Mason Holgate on the bench.

Saints have already got decent attacking numbers but could benefit most from an additional helping of ruthlessness.  

Have to remember there will be mistakes punished 

Gavin Bazunu was Southampton's man of the match until added time (Image: PA)

Healey's equaliser also acted as a reminder that there are going to be mistakes made and punished this season after a good run of games. 

Saints supporters have likely been exposed to a higher volume of individual mistakes in recent years due to the youthful recruitment policy. 

Every player makes errors and Gavin Bazunu, who was excellent for each of the 95 minutes prior, will be disappointed with the way he was beaten down to his left. 

Healey struck early, catching the Republic of Ireland international when he was not fully set. It will be an area of improvement for the 21 year old. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis, key in clean sheets versus Bristol City and Cardiff City, was dominated by Vakoun Bayo in the air for the chance to strike. 

Martin, describing the incident, said: "Honestly, my real frustration is that it’s a rubbish goal to concede.

He added: "They are both amazing young men who will continue to grow. I won’t be too critical of it.”

Although Watford had four shots to Southampton's zero in the final 15 minutes of the contest, it felt like Saints would get through for a third consecutive shutout. 

Instead, a mistake cost them two important points, while the experience of midfield mainstay Flynn Downes was missed.

A midfield of Shea Charles, only 20 himself, Joe Aribo and Stuart Armstrong all performed well in isolation, but the balance as a trio did not feel completely right. 

Individual errors set up defeats against Sunderland, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough more than two months ago but have been largely eradicated. 

Bazunu and Harwood-Bellis need to shrug off any concern about their parts in the goal and keep performing, while it is a warning shot to the whole squad.