Saints’ fringe players proved their point as they stepped up and delivered a superb display to secure a draw against Manchester City.

Injury hit Saints had to call upon several squad members who have struggled to get games this season.

And they recovered from the defeat against Aston Villa to end the club’s three game losing streak in some style.

Saints were the better team for most of the game and the likes of Jack Cork and Steven Davis shone in midfield to help their side to a big result.

It was Cork’s first Premier League start of the season, while Northern Ireland skipper Davis was making just his fifth start of the campaign.

In defence, teenager Calum Chambers was making only his fourth Premier League start, as Nathaniel Clyne was out injured.

Behind Chambers was 21-year-old Paulo Gazzaniga, making only his second league start of the season.

“The most important aspect is that we always play the same way, this team always believes, that we always play with the same philosophy,” reflected Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino.

“We want to congratulate the players that played because they were not the most habitual players and they stepped up and played really well.

“That’s a very key important aspect of the team – all the players are itching to play, regardless of who’s injured or not. They all want to play and they all want to do well.”

Pochettino insisted before the game that he had faith in his team to come good, even with their injury problems.

It didn’t look promising when Sergio Aguero gave City the lead after just ten minutes with his 18th goal of the season.

But Dani Osvaldo’s brilliant equaliser three minutes before half time was the very least Saints deserved from the game.

“The performance was amazing from my team,” said a delighted Pochettino.

“We have been on a negative run of results as of late but the thing about this team is it keeps believing.

“This bad run of results we have been on has been due to different factors – maybe we have been unfortunate a little bit in a few of these games.

“This team believes and this team is on a good run in how it plays.

“It tries to play always the same way, it tries to play well the same way.

“Against City we beat them on possession against a team that has the biggest record on possession in the league.

“Overall, I am very happy with the team.”