Ghana striker Jordan Ayew instrumental for Swansea City as they frustrate Southampton

Published on: 12 August 2017
Ghana striker Jordan Ayew instrumental for Swansea City as they frustrate Southampton
Ghana striker Jordan Ayew in his first match of the season

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew was in full time action for Swansea City as they frustrated Southampton to a goalless draw in their first match of the 2017/18 English Premier league season on Saturday.

The Black Stars player was instrumental as the Swans ensured that Southampton's goal drought at St Mary's stretched to 545 minutes as they laboured to a frustrating stalemate against.

Saints wasted a host of chances to open their new campaign with a galling 0-0 draw against the insipid and limited visitors.

Mauricio Pellegrino's side dominated virtually from start to finish, but lacked the killer instinct needed to clinch the three points.

Southampton have still not scored at home since the 3-1 league win over Crystal Palace on April 5. So despite a new manager, a fresh influx of players and a new season, this was the same profligate Saints.

Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand combined to lay on scores of openings for their team-mates, but James Ward-Prowse, Manolo Gabbiadini and Dusan Tadic were all found wanting in front of goal.

Frenchman Claude Puel paid with his job in the summer for Saints' inability to link midfield and attack and convert chances last term.

New boss Pellegrino already appears to have generated more impetus than Puel managed, but the south-coast side were still left to rue opportunities missed.

Swansea missed wantaway midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson far more than Saints needed the absent Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch defender who also craves a transfer.

Southampton threw everything at Swansea and should have held a comfortable lead at the break.

Despite that dominance, however, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock.

Ayew's role in the game ensure that he has already grabbed a starting role which will help him and his club as they fight to stay in the top flight as their major ambition.

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