Another disappointing and dull performance from Southampton this Saturday against Stoke has resulted in 3 back to back losses. In a week where they had the opportunity to really put the pressure on those above them for that second automatic promotion spot, they have lost all momentum and crumbled under the pressure.
From a squad applauded at their peak this season for their mentality and drive, the lack of energy, pace and effort has been a stark contrast, and a situation that has many fans questioning…
Are they under performing now, or did they over perform then?
The bleak difference between then and now has made that run of 25 undefeated feel like some far away fever dream, with the way the squad plays now almost unrecognisable to the threat we had only a few months ago. The apparent inability to bounce back and the drop in both performance and work rate is perhaps suggestive that while that run is there to be applauded, this picture in-front of us is much closer to reality for the club. Whilst this remains a good and successful season, it is a learning curve.
Despite a few strong performances from individuals there has been a distinct lack of quality in the side, with games consisting of a few moments of brightness but a continual lack of meaningful attack and product in the final third. Capitalising has been a struggle for the Saints all season, however it is now other parts of the team that are falling apart too.
Whilst it can be argued that the team selection against Stoke was wrong, there was no structure to the midfield. This was evident within the first 15 minutes of the game, however changes weren’t made until far too late in the second half. The side that finished the game should have been the side that started.
The personnel was wrong and the tactics were wrong, and neither of these issues were appropriately amended.
The positive impacts that Russell Martin has had on this club and its fan-base are indisputable, however he can (and has been) criticised for his tactical rigidness. He has a clear plan A, however when this is ineffective, his plan B is to keep hoping that plan A will work. Leicester away earlier in the week highlighted this; they knew how to play Southampton, they pressed and cut off their usual passing channels and the Saints were isolated and overloaded, unable to cope, resulting in the embarrassing 5-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium. Performances were poor, but the approach and in-game response was poorer.
Injuries really haven’t helped this squad, with the short term loss of loanee Flynn Downes resulting in a wobbly midfield and the long term losses of both Stuart Armstrong and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu both having major consequences.
Without S.Armstrong Southampton struggle to get the ball out and up the pitch, his dynamic play style really helping them open up space to attack into – both the midfield and overall movement are much more static without his presence. Equally, whilst Gavin Bazunu has come under great criticism this season for a collection of mistakes, his absence has made many appreciate his presence much more than before. Without his distribution we loose the ball from goal kicks much more, and our ability to play out and across from the back are greatly weakened.
But despite this, the overall quality is still not enough. This has been a good season for the club, and in any other year they would be comfortably promoted on this point tally, however despite this, there are major issues that need addressing. From skillset on the ball to workrate and mentality, there are distinct gaps in the squad.
All things considered, this season is a hard one to reflect on rationally – the highs have been exceptionally high, and lows exceptionally low, so as fans we must take this into account before blowing things out of proportion.
Promotion through the playoffs is still on the cards despite the build up being far from ideal and performances far from convincing. A solution ultimately needs to be found, and while it is questionable whether there is one within this current squad and system (let alone one that can be found in time for this run at Wembley) there is still hope – it isn’t over until it’s over.
Poppy Deabill