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Three things we learnt from Southampton 1-1 draw with Sunderland
Speculative efforts and lack of penetration costs Saints
So often known for being a fluid footballing side under Ronald Koeman and indeed Mauricio Pochettino before that, Southampton’s have looked blunt as an attacking threat over the opening weeks of the season, and they look to be missing the focal point up front of departed striker Graziano Pelle, who offered not only a penetrative attacking presence but also a figure to hold up the ball and bring play forward.
If they can restore his form, former QPR and Swindon forward Charlie Austin may well prove the perfect remedy to the situation, but he was rusty in his first start of the season and he has only managed one goal for the Saints since joining from London club Queen’s Park Rangers in January- a late winner at Old Trafford last season against Manchester United. Of his 19 touches of the ball, none were inside the penalty area, and although he did his best to hold up play and create opportunities for his teammates, the home side were only able to test visiting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford- standing in for the injured Vito Mannone- from distance.
Despite dominating proceedings with 63% of overall possession, much like the way of things under Koeman last season, Puel’s side have registered two draws and a defeat from their opening three games and once again an inability to capitalise on their opportunities proved costly as they failed to break through a stern Sunderland resistance.
Although a speculative effort from Rodriguez eventually paid off courtesy of Pickford’s error, Southampton will need to improve in attack if they are to steer clear of trouble. Though a first goal since March 2014 after a long lay-off on the treatment table for the England international will do wonders for his confidence and that may be encouraging going forward for the goal-shy Saints, if they opt not to offload the former Burnley marksman before the transfer window slams shut.