Sadio Mane's strike in stoppage time was the only thing that separated the two sides as Chris Ramsey's caretaker manager's role at QPR began with a defeat.

Below, Sports Mole assesses how the game unfolded and if the result was fair.

Match statistics

QPR
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 45%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 13

SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 16
On target: 5
Possession: 55%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 16

Was the result fair?

Considering how the game unfolded, a point apiece would have been a more fair result. While Southampton looked the more comfortable in possession and the statistics show that they just edged it in terms of efforts on goal, both struggled to break the deadlock in normal time. Mane showed great skill in making his strike count in the 93rd minute, while the home side failed to take their opportunities when they were created.

QPR's performance

Ramsey would have been concerned early on that they were allowing Southampton's forwards to get in behind the defence far too easily. There were glimpses of some decent build-up play from QPR, but that clinical touch in the final third was lacking. They did manage to get the ball in the back of the net for an equaliser in the 94th minute, but it was ruled out for offside. Charlie Austin did not receive much support this afternoon and therefore was less effective than he has shown in the past.

Southampton's performance

A draw would have been a fair result as the Saints did not produce the fluid passing movement that Ronald Koeman's side have been known to show. Mane and Eljero Elia had plenty of joy with darting runs in behind, but until the former's late strike, their finishing let them down. Unfortunately for Southampton, they also lost Matt Targett early on with a head injury and it has emerged that the defender has been taken to hospital for scans.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Sadio Mane: The midfielder earned Southampton all three points at a time when a draw seemed to be the likely outcome. His desire to get towards goal, even in those latter stages, just added to his overall performance. While he squandered some good chances, he managed to cause plenty of problems with his pace.

Biggest gaffe

There was not one particular moment, but QPR goalkeeper Rob Green made some unusual decisions this afternoon. He came off his line at times when he was not required to and he needlessly gave away a throw-in by hurrying the ball out from a goal kick when he had plenty of time to send it back into play.

Referee performance

Roger East had a few decisions to deal with and Clint Hill could have easily been given two yellows following some questionable tackles. While the match official did not have too many big calls to handle, he was alert enough to stop play when Targett went to ground with a bad head injury.

What next?

QPR: The Hoops will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

Southampton: The Saints will host West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday.