Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"That is the best chance of the second half - Villa have worked very, very hard and are probably starting to feel the pace."

Chance! Southampton are trying to provide us with an Eastenders 'duh duh duh duh' ending - but it's not happening.

Centre half Jose Fonte appears on the right side of the Villa box (nope, I don't know why either) and drills a low shot which is kicked away by home keeper Brad Guzan with Pelle lurking.

I'd love to tell you this is a thrilling night of Premier League action. But I'd be a liar.

We have seen a grand total of ZERO shots on target since the restart. But stick with us folks - there is going to be some late drama. I can feel it.

Aashish:, external Saints need to up the tempo - its like watching Liverpool pass slow pass pass going nowhere boring.

Wonder if Brendan would agree with you?

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It does look as though Southampton have run out of ideas."

Then, Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama's eyes light up when a ball breaks to him outside the penalty box. But he is overcome by excitement and slashes his effort wide. Cue ironic cheers from the home fans behind the goal.

Villa are looking very comfortable at the moment. There. I've said it. The well-drilled home side, with their nine men behind the ball, are rarely being threatened.

First roll of the tactical dice - and it comes from Paul Lambert. The Villa boss introduces former England international Kieran Richardson for Charles N'Zogbia in a straight swap in the centre of the home side's midfield. N'Zogbia heads straight down the tunnel with a Villa physio, which suggests he may have taken a knock.

Image source, Getty Images

Thomas in London: As I'm not a Villa, I suppose it's easier for me not to be so critical of Lambert but honestly, I think he's worked wonders to keep them up for 2 years. This team is barely Premier League standard but he's kept them up despite a limited budget and the Lerner problem.

Saints midfielder Dusan Tadic finally finds some space on the edge of the Villa box, but can't find that killer pass to unlock the well-drilled home defence.

Saints are still enjoying plenty of possession, but Villa are content to frustrate them by sticking nine or 10 claret and blue shirts behind the ball.

Image source, Getty Images

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a late tackle and there is a little bit of frustration creeping in. Villa have worked hard, their style of play is not everyone's cup of tea, but they are looking to try to keep clean sheets and the tactic has worked so far."

Victor Wanyama is a player who could be, rather kindly, described as combative and unsurprisingly he becomes the first name to go into Phil Dowd's notepad.

The Saints midfielder slams into the back of Villa counterpart Tom Cleverly to see yellow. There was nothing, ahem, Clever about that challenge.

Neither Long or Tadic has had much impact in their new role. Yet.

Must say it has been pretty even in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. Pretty evenly poor from both teams that is...

Image source, PA

Chris S:, external When it's done on the comet do you think the #Rosetta probe can land at Villa Park to see if there's any sign of atmosphere?

Out of this world that gag Chris.

Chelsea Warrior:, external Good half this. Saints have really upped the ante and Villans working their socks off. Very watchable.

No change in personnel for Southampton at the break, but there has been a change in their tactics. Republic of Ireland forward Shane Long started the match in 'the hole' behind striker Graziano Pelle, but has now moved to the right with Dusan Tadic pushing up behind Pelle.

Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live

"I keep seeing the same thing - Southampton's problems are all in the final third. Their build-up play is really good, with crisp passing, but when they get in areas where they should produce, nothing is happening."

Another half chance for Villa, who appear keen to grab a second goal before 50 minutes. It's almost as though they know they won't score in the final 40 minutes....

A deep cross is swung in from the right and finds the forehead of Andreas Weimann at the far post. But the Austrian forward cannot get enough power behind it and Fraser Forster gathers.

And Villa come flying out of the traps quicker than an eager greyhound. Gabby Agbonlahor breaks down the left, before the ball eventually falls to Charles N'Zogbia in a central position just inside the Southampton box. He connects sweetly, but Ryan Bertrand flings his body in the way.

nev carman:, external Have a few 'PARDEW OUT' banners going free if anyone at Villa is interested. Surname needs changing. No demand here anymore.

Messrs Lambert and Koeman have delivered their words of wisdom. The half-time oranges have been polished off. Back under way.