Wigan late strike deny Pochettino first win
Wigan Athletic came from behind to draw 2-2 for the second time in four days on Saturday as Shaun Maloney's last-minute leveller denied Mauricio Pochettino a first win since becoming Southampton manager.
In a thrilling encounter between two clubs battling to avoid relegation, the visitors had come from behind to lead 2-1 before Scottish international Maloney converted from close range after Paul Scharner had headed down a 90th-minute corner kick.
The finish to this game was all too familiar for Saints fans, who have seen their side throw away more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Gaston Ramirez had missed a glorious chance to put Southampton in front early on before unmarked Wigan captain Gary Caldwell headed home powerfully from a left-wing corner to give the hosts a 25th-minute lead at the DW Stadium.
Roberto Martinez's side were still looking for their first Premier League win of 2013, and they held the advantage going into the break.
Argentine coach Pochettino had seen his side lose narrowly to Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek, but they hit back to equalise on 64 minutes thanks to a typical poacher's finish from Rickie Lambert.
Jack Cork held up a cross from the right which was attacked by Jay Rodriguez, and Lambert was there to stab past Ali Al Habsi, who is still to keep a clean sheet at home this season.
The south-coast side were in the ascendancy after that, and substitute Adam Lallana hit the post before they did score again five minutes from time at the end of a stunning breakaway.
Rodriguez collected possession deep inside his own half and flew down the left wing before squaring low for Morgan Schneiderlin, who couldn't miss.
Former Espanyol boss Pochettino could sense a first win in English football, but his team just could not hang on as Maloney made it 2-2, the same result that Wigan registered against Stoke City in midweek.
Southampton have lost just once in eight games, but this was their sixth draw in that time, and they remain just three points above Wigan in the relegation zone.
