At the other end of the age scale Sagi Burton has strengthened the defence, while according to Fairclough, midfielder Jason Puncheon has been a revelation.
Gareth Barry gave away possession for Southampton's first goal by Jason Puncheon and also conceded an embarrassing own-goal soon after halftime to make it 3-1.
Substitute Rickie Lambert headed home his 10th goal of the season with 58 minutes gone before Jason Puncheon netted a dramatic equalizer with 15 minutes remaining.
The home side had other chances, with Puncheon firing a fierce shot against the post before the follow-up from Liam Trotter was cleared off the line by Adam Barrett.