Positioned next to the Ted Bates statue on St Mary’s outer concourse, the Saints Brass Band boomed out the Rocky theme tune just before kick-off.
Like the Italian Stallion, it seems Ralph Hasenhuttl isn’t going down without a fight.
Who knows what defeat for Southampton would have meant for the Austrian coach here.
It wasn’t the victory he wanted, but a draw - after four successive losses - is a start at least.
Is it enough to ensure his position ahead of Wednesday’s south-coast clash against Bournemouth?