Middlesbrough had to be content with a goalless draw on the opening day after their £20million summer spending spree.
They needed one exceptional save and several competent ones from goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to deny Southampton victory.
Marian Pahars and Anders Svensson both wasted golden opportunities in the first half and James Beattie headed over at full stretch from three yards.
But Schwarzer's best save came in the 61st minute when he dived to his right on his line to keep out a close-range header from Svensson.
Southampton, who had spent only £2million in contrast, dominated for long spells but Gareth Southgate was in outstanding form in defence.
Middlesbrough's £8.5million new striker Massimo Maccarone shot into the side netting but struggled to make an impact and was substituted with 15 mintues to go.
It was only after he had been replaced by Alen Boksic that Middlesbrough became an attacking force and it was Boksic who forced Paul Jones into his one meaningful save of the afternoon in the 81st minute.
Boksic shot into the side netting a minute later and by the end both sides were satisfied with an entertaining but punchless first performance of the season.
Southampton included Latvian striker Pahars as a surprise name on the team sheet after spending the summer recovering from a groin operation.
Pahars looked sharp and lively for an hour before tiring and being replaced for the last 30 minutes by Jo Tessem.
Tessem almost snatched it for Southampton late in the match but his low shot was saved at the second attempt by the busy Schwarzer.
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