One could be accused of sounding a tad insensitive when some readers avidly support teams not so prosperous in the Premier League, but after a smashing 8-0 victory last week, is it so bad to ask why only one goal soared into the net for Saints? Ronald Koeman’s side faced Stoke City, a team possessing one Peter Crouch, giant and ex-Saint; as a team, there is not a gulf between their calibre and that of Sunderland, but Stoke certainly rose to the challenge in much more appropriate fashion.
Philosophically, a win is a win regardless, but after witnessing sheer magic the week prior, a few more than a single shot of success should have curled in for Koeman’s chaps. So how was it that only Sadio Mané got the formula so right?
Why only 1-0 at St. Mary’s?
4-3-3 should have conjured up enough strength to assist the attacking portion of the south coast club in their bid for goal, especially with Morgan Schneiderlin standing sturdily in the centre of the pitch. Dušan Tadić and Graziano Pellè were instantly bothering Stoke with their dynamic partnership, creating options for Steven Davis, but Crouch was looking pretty ready to face Saints’ defence. Chances for the only scorer, Mané, were unfolding early in the match, with Phil Bardsley more than willing to mop up.
20 minutes of fierce play saw both sides appear rather competitive; Stoke really did have to bring their best in a fixture such as this, especially after watching the failings of Sunderland. Despite any efforts, Saints’ other significant pairing further back by Fraser Forster, comprising Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand, were eager to clear any ball threatening their goal face. This clever allegiance is crucial defensively, and has been something for opponents to be very cautious of when attacking Saints.
Prior to the half an hour mark, the infamous Tadić-Pellè link-up was firmly in place, albeit slightly ineffective. What usually musters up at least one goal per game was lacking something extra against Stoke; this is probably the most vital reason behind Saints’ slim win. Combined with Schneiderlin’s poor attempts, this left Saints in a state of grievance; any tricks were snuffed out quite quickly. However, Mané’s tenacity, which has driven to new levels week upon week since his debut, finally paid off; the one and only triumph of the match for Saints flew in from the number 10, and glory fluttered across the stadium.
The problem with the initial 45 minutes for the home club, and arguably the rest of the game, was Tadić; in no way is this criticism of the fighting spirit and enviable effort he puts in during a shift, it just didn’t materialise into anything concrete against Stoke. The Serbian is absolutely brilliant for Saints, and that’s why it was merely a shame that he didn’t pull off anything winning.
A rampant Saints took charge again in the second half, but faced the same conundrums. Pellè’s botched opportunities were agonising, and Charlie Adam picked up drastically in the 50th minute. His substitution latterly was fortunate for Saints, as Adam too was looking all the more peckish for a goal. In fact, Mark Hughes’ side were in more suitable shape during the second half, putting Saints under further pressure to deliver more. This additional stress coupled with Pellè’s continually flawed shots led to the stroke of 90 minutes seeing the same score; 1-0 to the natives.
Stoke, or any side for that matter, should never be underestimated; to assume superiority is to assert full recklessness, but Saints really should have won with a fatter margin. As much as Koeman was chuffed with another win, a larger goal difference would have been favourable.
If all errors can be wiped away, and the Tadić-Pellè pairing can fix the bust cogs in their oh so fruitful wheel during training, Saints could reap bigger rewards versus Hull.
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