Ten games in, and there’s a new name in the chasing pack.
It’s always interesting to see how a league table takes shape in the opening weeks of any new campaign. In amongst the seasoned veterans and usual front runners, there’s usually a team that looks unrecognisable from seasons gone by sitting pretty near the business end, such as Big Sam’s new and improved attacking West Ham United. Inevitably, there will be a side who simply cannot shake off that early season rustiness and will look unsettlingly out of place in the lower reaches of their division, looking at Borussia Dortmund’s descent down the Bundesliga as an example. It’ll often straighten itself out during the course of the season and fall into the usual, uniformed standings that can be recited or forecast by most fans on the terraces.
But Southampton are different. It’s difficult to categorise The Saints, as they don’t really fit a stereotypical description. Dark horses, underdogs, over-achievers, surprise package. These are all sporting clichés that could be attributed to the magnificent start that Southampton continue to build upon, yet the situation they were faced with this summer was almost unique.
When all the predictions and guessing games were in full flow during pre-season, the topic of Southampton was a difficult one to approach, as nobody really knew what to expect. They were placed in a variety of positions, ranging from Europa League candidates to mid-table obscurity; cup-final hopefuls to relegation certainties. The range of prophecies thrown in their direction emphasised that this season really would be the epitome of a roller coaster.
With the St. Mary’s fire sale in top gear, the decimation of a cohesive, elegant squad was gobsmacking. The way big clubs were cherry picking talent from the Solent coastline was testament to Southampton’s achievements, yet it really did underline the predatory instincts of those with financial muscles to flex. Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren were all snapped up by Liverpool alone, added to the likes of Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Callum Chambers (Arsenal) and Dani Osvaldo (Inter Milan), both young and experienced talent were heading through the exit doors. And of course, this is compounded by their manager, Mauricio Pochettino, leaving for pastures new at Tottenham (who in turn attempted, but ultimately failed, to persuade Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez to join him at White Hart Lane).
Fast forward a few months, and Southampton are flying. The new boss, Ronald Koeman, has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League, and at times it feels like he can scarcely believe how well Southampton have started either. He has managed to combine a raft of shrewd signings from across Europe with enhanced performances from those who stayed at Southampton and are desperate to prove their worth. Tactically, he has formulated a classy, attacking philosophy whilst having a solid structure upon which firm foundations can be built. Additionally, he really seems to command respect from his troops, and has them all motivated. Koeman is making his appointment look less like a perceived gamble, and more like a master stroke with every game and press conference.
It’s fair to say that the two signings that have really exemplify the new Southampton are the two players Koeman would know best from his time coaching in his native Netherlands. Graziano Pelle has been a real coup for the club, 9 goals in 12 games since joining from Feyenoord Rotterdam elevating him to the newest Italian international debutant. Dušan Tadic has been a creative whirlwind, as the former FC Twente man scored once and crafted four assists in the 8-0 demolition of Sunderland, orchestrating one of the most ruthlessly clinical performances in Premier League history. Koeman also brought in the defensive durability of Fraser Forster and Toby Alderweireld, the marauding full back play of Ryan Bertrand, and the flair of attackers Sadio Mané and Shane Long to bolster the ranks.
The signings were amongst the smartest business done by a British club during this inflated transfer market. Not having to break the bank by recruiting from less-prominent leagues was risky as players were untested in the high-pressure environment, but the gamble looks to have paid off thus far. But the way he has motivated the remaining squad players has impressed me the most. It seems fraudulent to suggest that handsomely paid, professional footballers would be demotivated, be psychologically they could be demoralised by the departures and perhaps frustrated that their efforts haven’t been acknowledged by other clubs. Morgan Schneiderlin for one certainly had his head turned by Spurs, but has been terrific at Southampton despite this and maintained his place in the French national squad due to his form. Nathaniel Clyne forced his way into the England picture, Jose Fonte assumed the captaincy and was rewarded with an inaugural call-up to the Portugal squad, while Victor Wanyama and Jack Cork have also had a renaissance in midfield.
Players both old and new have gelled quickly and bought into the club ethos and team spirit that Koeman has tried to instil in the squad. From the outside, it looks as though Southampton are a close-knit community and will defend one another to the hilt. The supporters are revelling in their lofty position – and as a neutral it’s wonderful to see them challenging in second position. The ultimate compliment I can pay to the club, players and fans is that it is very easy to forget that just five seasons ago, the club were battling in the third tier of English football. They are an established Premier League team on merit, and on the basis of the start to this season, it will be an enjoyable campaign for the Southampton faithful.
Will it continue? Hopefully. But for the time being, the Saints go marching on…
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands at r/football.
Main Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
