Southampton 0-0 Burnley: Joe Hart 'on his toes' after stalemate at St Mary's
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Joe Hart and Alex McCarthy both produced some excellent saves as the sides played out a goalless draw at St Mary's
Joe Hart says he has "walked into a nest of top goalkeepers" and has to be on his toes after impressing on his Burnley Premier League debut against Southampton.
The former England number one produced several second-half saves to keep a second successive clean sheet for the Clarets, after his £3.5m move from Manchester City last Tuesday.
"I am so pleased to have signed here permanently," added the 31-year-old.
"It's obvious the love I had for Man City, but I had to cut ties with them to flourish, so I'm over the moon to be here and it's down to me now."
Hart is competing with England goalkeepers Nick Pope and Tom Heaton for the keeper's jersey, although the former is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained against Aberdeen in July.
Burnley controlled the tempo of the game early on, despite only returning from Turkey on Friday following Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw against Istanbul Basaksehir - where Hart made his debut.
Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy denied Aaron Lennon early on before keeping out Jeff Hendrick's low first-half header.
But the hosts came back into the game when new signings Danny Ings and Mohamed Elyounoussi were introduced to the action.
Jack Stephens saw his side-foot effort at the back post turned aside by Hart, who also saved Mario Lemina's header.
No sign of a European hangover
Burnley started the match with a real intensity, which suggests they were not suffering after their trip to Istanbul.
The Clarets, who made four changes after their stalemate in Turkey, enjoyed 58% possession in the first half.
Burnley point 'well deserved' - Dyche
Saints failed to clear their lines early on as former Everton forward Lennon latched on to the loose ball before firing at goal, but Southampton keeper McCarthy made himself big and kept it out.
The visitors continued to dominate the first half with 12 attempts on goal, but only four were on target.
Hendrick nearly headed Sean Dyche's men in front in the final minutes of the half, after the ball fell kindly for the midfielder following Ben Mee's acrobatic overhead kick. But McCarthy was equal to it, getting down low to his right.
Burnley started the second half in a similar fashion and McCarthy was called into action again as Stephen Ward was first to the second ball following a corner, but the Saints keeper showed good speed to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Southampton grew into the game after introducing Ings and Elyounoussi, but Hart was in impressive form to deny Stephens, and Dyche will be buoyed by his side's performance after three matches in Europe.
Ings shows promise for 'local' club
Ings - who was born 13 miles from Southampton - completed a deadline-day loan move from Liverpool, which will become a permanent transfer next summer.
With Burnley still dominant, Saints manager Mark Hughes opted to introduce Ings in the second half and the 26-year-old was welcomed by a standing ovation from the home fans.
Hughes pleased with Saints after Burnley draw
His arrival appeared to give the rest of the team a lift and the striker was quickly in the action. With the hosts beginning to build momentum, Ings arrived right on cue to meet a corner ahead of his marker, but his fierce effort flew over the bar.
As well as posing a threat to the opposition's goal, Ings also showed signs of creativity as his well-weighted pass to the back post created the chance for Stephens that Hart saved.
Hughes spoke very highly of Ings upon his return to the south coast, saying he had "admired" the former Bournemouth forward for some time.
And based on Sunday's 40-minute showing, the Saints manager has lots to be optimistic about.
Man of the match - Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Alex McCarthy retained his position in goal after starting in Southampton's previous Premier League game against Manchester City in May - and produced three crucial saves to claim a clean sheet against Burnley
What they said - 'It is not easy to dominate away from home like we did'
Burnley manager Sean Dyche said: "In the first 70 minutes, we could have turned that into all three points.
"A clean sheet away from home is always a good thing especially as they came back into it after a change of shape. You have to have a good mentality in the Premier League and we have a good balance of mentality and quality."
Southampton manager Mark Hughes said: "I was a bit concerned that Burnley had more competitive games albeit a tough trip in Europe.
"We didn't get them on the back foot and they had control in the first half and caused us problems. We changed it in the second half and controlled it. We had any number of chances to win the game.
"You saw Danny's clever play today, linking and retaining possession. He allowed us to move further up the field and that augurs well. We're looking forward to getting him up to speed."
Southampton striker Danny Ings said: "It meant a lot to play for Southampton. I've had such a tough time over the past few years trying to break into a team that's one of the best in Europe.
"It was time for a new challenge and I thought that coming home was the right move. The way we play football here suits me to the ground."
Match stats - Southampton extend winless run on the opening day
Southampton are winless in their past five opening day matches in the Premier League (D4 L1), last winning in August 2013 away at West Bromwich Albion (1-0).
Burnley have drawn on the opening weekend of a Premier League season for the very first time, after losing three and winning one of their first four such matches.
Southampton have never won an opening Premier League fixture when played on a Sunday, drawing three and losing three of their six matches.
Burnley have won two and drawn two of their past four Premier League matches against Southampton, this after losing back-to-back games between March 2015 and October 2016.
Southampton have registered just one win in their past 12 top-flight home games, drawing six and losing five.
Southampton boss Mark Hughes has won just two of his 13 opening day matches as a Premier League manager (D3 L8), the fewest number of wins of any manager to take charge of at least 13 such matches.
What's next?
Burnley return to Europa League action in the second leg of their third qualifying round against Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday, 16 August (19:45 BST).
Southampton resume their Premier League campaign away to Everton on Saturday, 18 August (15:00 BST).