Saints drift for drop after draw

Southampton drifted to a best of 15/8 for relegation from the Premier League after a 0-0 draw with Everton in Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge.

Saints outplayed their visitors in the first half but were almost made to pay the price for some wasteful finishing as both Victor Anichebe and Kevin Mirallas squandered late chances for the Toffees as they pressed for a winner.

The point took Southampton to 23 for the season - a four-point advantage over Reading, who sit in the drop zone - and saw them drift for the drop.

Ladbrokes make them 15/8 for relegation, while it's a best of 8/15 with Betfred that they are playing Premier League football once again next season.

Both Reading (2/5) and rock-bottom QPR (4/7) are rated odds-on shots to be heading into the Championship, with Aston Villa (11/10) and Wigan (6/4) both shorter prices than Southampton.

At the other end, the draw leaves Everton three points adrift of Spurs in the battle for Champions League football - and they've drifted for a top-four finish.

Though BetVictor offer 7/2, Sky Bet and Ladbrokes go 6/1 which means they're just a couple of points better than Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the market.

Tottenham (6/5) and Arsenal (11/8) are the clear favourites in what looks to be a race for one place behind Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Coral's Tim Reynolds said: "Tottenham have a couple of tough games ahead of them so if Everton can win their next two league games against West Brom and Aston Villa at home, they would be in a great position to finish in the top four."

Coral have Everton 8/11 favourites to finish above local rivals Liverpool (evens).