Southampton 4-4 Norwich City: Adam Armstrong's stoppage-time penalty helps Saints draw thriller

Adam Armstrong's first-half penalty was his second goal in two league games this season, and his third arrived via the same route after the break

Adam Armstrong scored a 97th-minute penalty as Southampton hit back to salvage a draw against Norwich City in an astonishing game at St Mary's.

A frantic 16-minute spell before the break began when Josh Sargent headed in Jack Stacey's inviting cross, but Jan Bednarek smashed Saints level from close range and Armstrong's first spot-kick of the afternoon made it 2-1 to the hosts.

The Canaries equalised within two minutes through a breathtaking strike from the outstanding Brazilian Gabriel Sara, who then teed up Jonathan Rowe to nod the visitors ahead before the break.

Substitute Che Adams struck as Saints levelled again, only for fellow substitute Christian Fassnacht to capitalise on some sloppy late defending to fire in what looked like being the winner.

But Armstrong's dramatic intervention ensured neither side was able to maintain their 100% start to the season in a match that ended with 46 attempts on goal.

Armstrong's third goal in two league games deservedly earned Saints boss Russell Martin a draw against his former side on an afternoon rich in entertainment, drama - and questionable defending.

Onel Hernandez and Rowe failed to hit the target as the away side set the tone in a busy start before Sargent grabbed his first goal of the season after great work by Ashley Barnes and Stacey.

Two goals in four minutes turned the game around for Saints, however, Bednarek reacting smartly to convert a quickly taken Kyle Walker-Peters corner and Armstrong keeping his cool from the spot after an inexplicable Shane Duffy handball.

The pick of the first-half goals came next, Sara showing great footwork and awareness to play a one-two with Sargent before shifting the ball out of his feet and finding the far corner.

Kenny McLean went close to a leveller then Rowe followed his first senior goal against Hull with his second in two games, coolly sending a looping header into the far corner from Sara's delightful free-kick.

The second half took time to warm up, but the tempo picked up with three further goals.

Adams drilled the ball home into the bottom corner before Fassnacht's fine finish put David Wagner's side 4-3 ahead, only for Armstrong to send St Mary's wild with joy deep into time added on after Dimitrios Giannoulis nudged Walker-Peters in the box.

Southampton boss Russell Martin:

"We had so many opportunities. We had 31 shots, the crowd were brilliant, so I enjoyed so much of it - the feel, the atmosphere. We didn't deserve to lose. To have lost that game would've been really frustrating.

"I'm really annoyed and frustrated at a few bits of it as well. Their real strength is in transition, and we gave them too many moments, but the lads were relentless.

"The players had an opportunity to show togetherness, character, resilience, and they did. They came back from behind twice and eradicated the nerves of the first 15 minutes.

"We should've scored more. The pleasing thing is we created a lot more than we did last week, but we also gave up a lot more, so there's definitely a balance to be had."

Norwich boss David Wagner:

"No [it wasn't naive to concede a late penalty]. Under pressure and away from home, those situations can happen. I thought the players worked really hard but there was a lack of concentration at the end of the game that must not happen.

"We weren't super clinical but we still scored four goals.

"It was entertaining. I think you have seen two quality sides early in the season when both teams want a win. I am happy about how brave the players were but I've seen we have a lot of work to do."