Villa draws 0-0 with Southampton in Premier League

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Aston Villa ended a difficult week by earning a valuable point with a 0-0 draw against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday to end a four-game losing streak.

The result puts Villa five points above the relegation zone and provides some relief for manager Paul Lambert, who was without his long-time assistants Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa following their suspension by the club. Villa has not disclosed details about the situation.

Southampton is in eighth place despite a poor run of form having lost three of their previous four games, and there was little entertainment value in this match.

Southampton appealed for a penalty with 10 minutes to go when Nathaniel Clyne's cross hit Ryan Bertrand's arm but referee Mason decided it was accidental.