Norwich 1-1 Southampton: Josh Sargent earns hosts a point to stall Saints' charge after Adam Armstrong's opener for the promotion chasers

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Russell Martin was convinced Jack Stacey should have been sent off as Southampton extended their unbeaten run but failed to beat a Norwich side that was there for the taking.

Saints have now not lost in 18 Championship outings - one short of equalling a club record dating back to their Division Three South days in 1921 - but could not capitalise on second-place Ipswich's 0-0 draw at Stoke.

Josh Sargent's City equaliser left Martin's side still three points behind the Tractor Boys but it might have been a different story had Canaries defender Stacey seen red rather than yellow for a poor challenge on Samuel Edozie in the 23rd minute.

The former Manchester City winger, 20, suffered a damaged ankle as a result. 

'It's a red card for me,' said Martin. 'It's a really naughty challenge.'

Josh Sargent struck for the first time since his injury as Norwich drew with Southampton

Adam Armstrong put Southampton in front with a close range finish in the second half

Armstrong's effort helped the Saints to maintain their 18-match unbeaten run in the league

Saints enjoyed 75 per cent possession and fired off 21 shots but only four were on target, including Adam Armstrong's 70th-minute opener.

Kyle Walker-Peters saw his pass across the box half blocked by Canaries captain Grant Hanley and as the ball spun towards the goal-line Armstrong hooked home to celebrate his 13th goal of the season.

That saw angry City fans call for manager David Wagner's sacking but the German ditched his ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation and was rewarded with a 78th-minute equaliser from substitute Sargent.

Jon Rowe played the USA striker, 23, in to slot across goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and in off a post.

Norwich were the better side after that, with Southampton requiring a Bazunu save to deny Borja Sainz and avoid defeat.

Martin, who spent nine years as a Norwich player and wore the captain's armband, was annoyed his side had not put the game to bed earlier.

Martin's side were left frustrated as Southampton seek to chase the Championship's top two

'We should have won, it was as flat an atmosphere as I have seen here - and I played a lot of games here,' he said. 'I'm frustrated because to have that amount of dominance we should have scored another goal.'

Norwich were applauded off at the end and Sargent was particularly happy as it was only his second appearance since suffering an ankle injury in August that required surgery.

'When you get injured you never know how its going to go when you get back,' he said. 'To get on the score-sheet is huge for myself and it was a big point for the team.'

Wagner made no apologies for his defensive tactics. 'I have to set the team up in the way we think we can win,' he said.