Southampton manager Alan Pardew admitted Norwich deserved their equaliser after watching the visitors claim a 2-2 draw in terrible conditions at St Mary's.
Stephen Hughes pounced within three minutes of emerging as a second-half substitute, scrambling home a rebound after Saints keeper Kelvin Davis had spilled Chris Martin's strike. Southampton had taken an early lead through Adam Lallana before Norwich levelled through Wes Hoolahan. But the home side thought they were heading towards the three points following David Connolly's wonder goal, only to be denied by Hughes.
``I cannot be disappointed and I hope the fans are not disappointed because it was an absolute belting game of football,'' said Pardew. ``It was a cracking goal from Connolly and from that point we should have made the game ugly and shut the shop up but we love to entertain and the game was far too open for my liking."
He added: ``Norwich got their equaliser which was fully deserved and a draw is a fair result.
``As a side we are getting better and as long as that continues to happen I will be happy.''
Norwich boss Paul Lambert praised his side's ``extraordinary'' effort for twice coming from behind to grab a point.
``It was a game of football between two very good sides and Southampton are only down there by default,'' said Lambert.
``The lads have been extraordinary for me and kept running all afternoon. Our hard work paid off.
``I was disappointed with the goals we conceded but the way we came back was very pleasing.''
