Southampton have been this season’s surprise package as they have been competing in the upper echelons of the table. It isn’t what Southampton have achieved that is bringing the plaudits to St Marys, but it is how they have done it. They received a lot of criticism for bringing in Mauricio Pochettino to replace Nigel Adkins last season, but it now appears to be a masterstroke. The Argentine has got Southampton playing an attractive and effective pressing game which allows them to control possession and gives a platform for his array of attackers to flourish.
An even more impressive thing about this Southampton team is that they are using a lot of homegrown talent, both from their own academy and others in England. The likes of Adam Lallana, James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers have been given lots of game time this season which is a huge positive for the future of the National team. Every single Premier League club should look at the famous Southampton academy for inspiration, if they do the England team will only benefit.
Since Pochettino came in, Southampton have had famous wins over Liverpool (twice), Manchester City and Chelsea, while they have also secured a point away at Old Trafford. The former Espanyol manager has made his new side a very effective outfit that can compete with every side in the division, something that Nigel Adkins just couldn’t do with his only points against top sides came in draws against Arsenal and Chelsea. Southampton are no longer seen as an easy win for the teams in the top six. Instead they are a side that will punish any mistakes made by their opposition, so teams know they have to be on the top of their game when playing against the Saints.
After spending large periods of the season in the top six, Southampton have faltered recently with only one win from their last six matches. Their recent match with Aston Villa at home showed why they won’t be able to keep up a consistent challenge for Europe. The hosts had 78% possession and 21 shots compared to Villa’s 6, but the visitors still ran out 3-2 winners. Saints need to be more clinical in front of goal when they have so many chances. They also need to cut out their defensive errors as a team competing for Europe shouldn’t be letting in three goals at home, especially to a side like Aston Villa. (Stats taken from squawka)
A key issue for Southampton is that their squad isn’t very deep. On Saturday, they were missing both Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama who are crucial to the way they play. Their replacements were Jack Cork and Steven Davis. No disrespect to these two players, but they are not of the quality needed to challenge for the top six. Newcastle are another club hoping to break into the top four and they have Vurnon Anita, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Cheick Tiote in their central midfield ranks, all of whom are full Internationals. This is the depth that Southampton need to achieve in order to have a sustained challenge for the top six.
They also need to keep their star players as there won’t be a shortage of interest in the likes of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Morgan Schneiderlin. Lallana has started to establish himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League with his performances this season leading to his first caps for England. Many expect him to be a part of England’s World Cup side and if he shines next summer, the big clubs could begin to circle. It’s important for them to show their intent and keep hold of their top players if they are to reach the heights of the Champions League, like their chairman Nicola Corteste is aiming. If they don’t, they will soon be seen as a feeder club to the big clubs, like so many other teams have found out.
Southampton have been on a tough run recently gaining one point from matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City. It doesn’t get much easier with matches against Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea on the horizon. If they are to challenge for Europe this season, they have to stop the slide quickly, but with an injury crisis at the club, I don’t think they will pick up many points at all over Christmas. At the end of the season, I expect Southampton to finish in 8th or 9th place, which will represent progress. Next season could be the time they compete for Europe if they keep their current stars and add a few more to them. Avoiding the Europa League could be a blessing in disguise as we have seen how that can affect teams hoping to challenge the top six.