NORWICH City manager David Wagner admitted the "quality and form" of Saints were the factors that led to him setting his team up in a defensive 5-4-1. 

Southampton dominated the match for long periods and ended with 75 per cent possession and 21 shots but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Kyle Walker-Peters was the architect for the goal in the 70th minute as his low cross deflected off Grant Hanley into the path of Adam Armstrong.

The goal was no more than Saints deserved – but Norwich got themselves back on level terms from a rare attack eight minutes later.

A fine move through the middle involving Gabriel Sara and Jon Rowe ended with Sargent slipping the ball past Gavin Bazunu.

However, Norwich boss Wagner came under fire from his own fans who criticised his negative approach during the game. 

Speaking after the match, Wagner explained: “I think it was a solid point for us, a deserved point. I thought it was an excellent defensive performance and we also threatened in transitions.

“We decided to go into this game with a 5-4-1 formation because we thought that was the right approach given the quality of the opposition and the form they have been in.

“We knew that would mean less possession for us but we have taken a point from the game and could even have taken all three, so in the end it was a good decision.”

Saints manager Russell Martin admitted he was "surprised" at the way Wagner's side were set up but ultimately credited the result they earned.

The boss played 309 times for Norwich as a player and captain and insisted the atmosphere at Carrow Road was as flat as he has seen. 

Norwich had lost their last two Championship fixtures to West Brom and Millwall without scoring, increasing the pressure on Wagner, before the draw with Saints.