Manchester United are wondering how they missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the English Premier League after a 1-0 defeat at Southampton.

It was the Saints' third win over United at the Dell in three years.

"Can anybody tell me how they won that game?" asked United boss Alex Ferguson.

"We completely dominated the match, had enough chances, but just couldn't get the rub of the green."

Kevin Davies's early header was enough to ease the Saints' relegation fears and deny United the chance to extend their over Blackburn at the top.

United ran the show and did everything but score. However, Ferguson's champions still have a five-point cushion and the manager was philospohical.

"I've seen it all before - I'm not going to lose sleep over this."

Saints' boss Dave Jones was delighted - and relieved: "I didn't want to be the first manager to lose to them," he laughed. "The thing was that we worked really hard and deserved to win."

Ron Jones reports from the Dell (50")

There were only three minutes gone when Matt Le Tissier fired in a free kick to the far post. United gave Davies a free header which he placed past the out-stretched arms of Peter Schmeichel into the corner of the net.

United did not let the early goal worry them. They had most of the first half's possession but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.

Andy Cole, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all had good chances to put the Premiership leaders on level terms but poor finishing and a contentious off-side decision meant the Saints went in one up at the break.

Half-time thunder

Andy Cole after his goal was disallowed

The second period did not go brightly for United. Their manager, Alex Ferguson looked like thunder as he marched back to the dug-out. The dressing-room conversation at half-time was unlikely to have been a pleasant experience for the United players.

United's tactic was to get the ball wide to David Beckham to swing-in one of his trademark crosses. Southampton defended well but never looked confident.

Beckham stretchered off

After 55 minutes United were awarded a free kick when Giggs was impeded. Beckham stepped up and swerved the ball 30 yards to be gratefully grasped by the keeper, Jones.

Only minutes later Beckham jumped for a ball with Francis Benali and came off worse. The Saints defender did not get as high as Beckam and as the England coach Glenn Hoddle looked on, Beckham landed heavily on his back.

Alex Ferguson - his team's lead has closed to five points

After being taken off on a stretcher he returned five minutes later looking like he had done 12 rounds in the boxing ring.

Appearances were deceptive, another free kick saw Beckham curl a beautiful ball from 25 yards only to hit the post.

Southampton defended excellently. They were gutsy, getting everybody behind the ball. Their occasional raids, usually through Le Tissier made sure that United could not throw everything at them.

United's last-gasp efforts

With only seconds to go Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit a powerful shot from eight yards to be saved by Jones with an impressive dive and parry.

It would be difficult to say that Southampton deserved their victory. United made more chances, had more possession and hit the woodwork twice but the Saints defended as if they were possessed.

Their keeper Jones was outstanding, man-of-the-match Carlton Palmer withstood continued periods of pressure at the back, but above all, their teamwork and commitment could not be faulted.
 

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