As the saints took on Rotherham at home this weekend, we met up with @voltdznn to do my first interview on this page, introducing his account and talking all things saints.
When asked about his account, “Volt” (as he is known on social media) said he would best describe it as an “EA graphic design account”, full of “original” work that is “unique” compared to others. In his words it is one of the “smaller” accounts but it’s definitely not one to sleep on. After running it for close to three years, growth has been steady but sure, with his end goal being “10k followers” – for anyone wanting to check out his page, tags and links will be found on our Instagram @pdeabill_football.
I think his opinion on the start of the saints’ championship campaign is one that the majority of fans can resonate with, him describing it best as “promising but disappointing”. This team has clearly adjusted and made changes, the mentality has begun to shift but the performance against Rotherham only reinforced this reoccurring theme.
The first half started strong, Stuart Armstrong bagging a goal early in to take the lead, Rotherham looking poised to take a battering. This never came. Despite maintaining 80% possession and having 23 shots compared to Rotherham’s 2, the team in red and white were still resigned to a painful 1-1 draw. To control and dictate such a vast majority of the play and still be unable to secure the win is almost unheard of, yet equally feels one of the most typical Southampton things to do. Rotherham keeper Johansson must be applauded for his performance, but equally was there to be challenged much more than he was. To play so well yet make nothing of it will be punished in the Championship, failing to capitalise will haunt you, and yet this is exactly the fate Southampton seem to be happy to accept.
After a beautiful first half of football, but one that should have reaped more rewards, Russell Martin’s side were unable to find their flow again in the second half. While still carrying the game, they were much more static, more content with tapping the ball backwards and sideways than threatening the opposition’s box.
Jordan Hugill made them regret this, unapologetically scoring the equaliser in the 74th minute.
Before the game, Volt and I discussed controversy over officiating decisions so far this season, questionable choices not being made both for and against us. This game was yet again an example of some dubious decisions. When asked at full-time on his thoughts, he stated he thought the quality of the refereeing was “pathetic”, with the “giving of pathetic fouls to Rotherham for the same tackles they were doing on us as well”. Pathetic seems to be a word that’s come up a lot this weekend. He also spoke about the multiple hand ball appeals, “notably the one where Che shot at goal in the first half” and the ball was (from our angle) met by the arm of a Rotherham player. He explained how he felt “we were robbed from start to finish”, but it could be argued we brought this result upon ourselves, just as much as the officials did, by failing to capitalise when we had the opportunity.
If asked before we saw the performances, many fans would have taken 7 points in 9, however after witnessing just how positive some of our play has been you can’t help but feel like we deserved the full 9/9. It’s clear the club is taking steps in the right direction but there is work still to do. When thinking of questions to ask in our interview, one that I was really keen to ask was “If you were in charge of the club, what would your main goals be at the minute” and in my opinion Volt’s answer hit the nail on the head. “firstly give your all on the pitch, don’t slack and don’t be too slow to drop back and help defend when needed. Second, don’t focus purely on possession – it will grow to be predictable and teams will sit and watch you pass knowing there’s little threat. Finally, be brave on the ball, don’t be scared to more forward and attack”.
Overall, I think we can all agree that this is an exciting time for the trajectory at the club, but we do need to be realistic. Until we’re able to make the most of our high possession rates, we will struggle to pick up results. This weekend was a learning curve, but now as we go into the international break it is an opportunity to reset and go again when it comes to facing Hull.
A massive thank you to @voltdznn for your time and patience.
We march on.
Poppy Deabill.