Of 11 possible shots on target, Southampton grappled doggedly with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park last weekend, snatching just two goals from all attempts. Newcastle, however, also managed to bag two goals, tying the fixture. Despite many a chance not coming to fruition for Ronald Koeman’s team, their grit and determination to improve their scintillating seventh place finish last season was abundant. Despite the dearth in ability to fully put goal to net last Saturday, it was in fact Saints’ shaky defence that rendered them most vulnerable.
Structurally Sound Southampton: Defensive Tightening
In such a dramatic league, all eventualities must be planned for; the St. Mary’s men marched on against the Magpies, and fought courageously, but it was their defence that could have solidified a clean away win. Instead of being chuffed with the rather grand two goals gained against Newcastle, Saints were hampered by their indiscretions back in their own half. Maarten Stekelenburg’s position was good, but not totally resolute, if a ball managed to scrape the back of the net on two occasions. However disastrous a feeling that might have been for the trial Saints goalkeeper, it was more due to the poor decision making of the defensive line just ahead of him.
When Southampton meet Everton in their next fixture, they should be sure to apply added pressure.
How Southampton’s defence can assist their form
Japan’s Maya Yoshida, Southampton’s typically reliable, deft centre-back, was unable to intercept firmly. With Papiss Cissé and Georginio Wijnaldum securing goals for Newcastle, the pressure was on; threats from Newcastle perhaps weren’t anticipated from the now-managed Steve McClaren side, following their fairly abysmal season of last, but they came in thick and fast, creating major tension between the teams. It was thrillingly end-to-end.
Yoshida, with Matt Targett to his left, and José Fonte and newbie to the English game, Cédric Soares, to his right, was not alone in shoddy, inconsistent defence. This could sound a tad harsh, but these men should have been more prepared for the lack of nonsense in the dizzying Premier League heights. Granted, fatigue might have slightly taken effect due to the Europa League action of past weeks, but the game remained energetic enough.
Fonte appeared to have a fairly tight grasp on the game, when needed, and managed to clear a number of potential disasters. Yoshida made a failed attempt upfront, too, so was in the right headspace to play with vigour, but it was his defensive frailties that shone through. I feel the weaker performances derived from Targett and Cédric, though; the latter of whom ought to be stretching himself in order to gel in his new position. However, a ‘fairly tight grasp’ will not cut the mustard, per se, in the Premier League. If Southampton want to better themselves this season, they must be omnipresent, wholly capable and adequately prepared for the gusto of every team, not to mention the bigger, braver clubs.
Although Cédric will need to adjust, his prowess further up the field from his own line was one which led to Graziano Pellè’s first, and altogether smashing, goal of the present season. Cédric’s assist aided Pellè’s ball in, which is exactly the sort of forethought required from any member of any team, in order to truly progress in such a tough division. However, there was still a question mark pertaining to Cédric’s overall defence; the Portuguese 23-year-old was substituted during the half-time break.
26-year-old Yoshida is entering his fourth season with Southampton; things need to remain watertight. Granted, it was only their first fixture, but Saints really should have been more prepared along the back line. Instead of bunching slightly, to merely mop up, the defence needs to be more tactical, with a much stronger hold upon their ranks; knocking the ball out of play would be one way of eradicating the issue, whilst re-conditioning the course of the ball, to meet the feet of an eager teammate up field, would be the more fabulous solution.
In sum, Saints need to cleanly usurp the ball from opponents, and use the tidying to their advantage; this is vital for league progression. Maya Yoshida, Matt Targett, José Fonte and Cédric Soares are the strongest, most eligible defenders Saints have, and should be able to act rigidly and effectively against any opposing sides. Indeed, give them time, but their competence will truly bring Southampton up a notch this season; structurally sound defending will be pivotal.
