Problems at St Mary’s

Aside from a memorable victory at home to Arsenal, the festive period will pose major concerns for Ronald Koeman and the Southampton faithful going into the new year.

Against Tottenham in December, the team’s performance was as poor as I can remember under the Dutchman. To a man, they lacked the desire and fight needed to compete against any Premier League opposition, let alone a side pushing for a top four spot.

For the first time during his managerial reign, Koeman publicly criticised the team, accusing them of being “too nice” and not winning individual battles. It was encouraging to see an ordinarily calm man calling on his players to improve and this was certainly justified.

The response on Boxing Day was beyond even the manager’s expectations as Southampton tore Arsenal to pieces at St Mary’s. While we played some good football at times, the performance was more about discipline, hard work and determination to win the ball.

Rather than kicking on, Saints have stumbled to consecutive defeats on the road. Despite playing well, particularly in the opening exchanges of these games, Koeman’s observation that we are too nice remains.

In front of goal, Southampton are not ruthless enough. We have spurned too many chances, not capitalising on periods of possession and pressure. Behind the front line, the team have also become too easy to break down, lacking the defensive organisation and grit that made us so difficult to beat last season.

The disciplinary issues overshadowing the trip to Carrow Road highlight a further concern for the club. Sadio Mané’s late appearance for a team meeting reflects an arrogance and lack of respect that he has carried since Manchester United showed an interest last summer. Performances on the pitch have dropped off and his work rate is not good enough.

If Mané wants to leave the club, I would be inclined to let him go. Of course, many will argue that Southampton cannot continue to sell top players and expect to succeed. But the toxic influence of a resentful individual in the dressing room will hinder the team far more. The rumour mill suggests that United are willing to pay significantly over the odds for the Senegalese international and if you watch him every week, you will know that he is not consistently top class.

Victor Wanyama is another player whose future could be in doubt this month. Tottenham allegedly submitted an offer for him in the previous window and it is likely that Mauricio Pochettino will come knocking again.

The Arsenal and Norwich games demonstrated the good, bad and ugly sides of the Kenyan. In the former, he snuffed out any hint of an attack from the Gunners and kept the ethereal Mesut Özil remarkably quiet. However, his lack of discipline arguably cost us the points at Norwich.

Wanyama is undoubtedly a valuable asset at St Mary’s but it is vital that Koeman and the board settle the issue quickly. He strikes me as a volatile character and, similar to Sadio Mané, he could quickly become a negative influence.

Disciplinary problems and unrest behind the scenes are not conducive to success. Before Southampton can start winning games and climbing the table, Ronald Koeman needs to get the house in order.

Schneiderlin proving to be Southampton’s greatest loss

Credit: Daily Mirror

Ronald Koeman was spot on when he said that changes to the defensive line have proven difficult to deal with in the early weeks of this season. For me, however, it is clear that the loss of one man will be the most troublesome for Southampton over the course of this campaign.

We have lost many key players in recent years, from our captain and creative spark Adam Lallana to defensive stalwarts Toby Alderweireld and Dejan Lovren. But the most significant departure from St Mary’s, without a doubt, will prove to be Morgan Schneiderlin and this has already shown in the opening games.

Players like Lallana, despite the value they add, are easy enough to replace. Quick, skilful attacking midfielders do not shape a team’s success. A central midfielder with Schneiderlin’s quality is the lynchpin of any Premier League side. Since moving to the South coast seven years ago, the Frenchman has dictated the Saints’ style and tempo, whether in the doldrums of League One or the dizzy heights of England’s top division.

He is one of those underestimated deep lying midfielders that, without being noticed or picked out by the pundits, controls and ultimately wins matches. His shepherding in front of the defence combined with outstanding vision and range of passing makes him one of the most valuable players in the Premier League and Manchester United’s best summer signing.

Of course, Schneiderlin’s exit cannot be the sole cause of Saturday’s comprehensive home defeat. I don’t often criticise Ronald Koeman but, on this occasion, the Dutchman’s tactics were off the mark. Starting with Sadio Mané, Shane Long and Dušan Tadić left us markedly exposed in the middle of the pitch, leaving space for Ross Barkley and co. to run riot on the counter attack. Steven Davis was largely ineffective in central midfield and without Schneiderlin to marshal that area Victor Wanyama was left on his own.

At half time, Koeman made a change and introduced Oriol Romeu, a new acquisition from Chelsea. Alongside Wanyama, he brought balance to the Southampton side and removed much of the threat posed by Everton’s counter attacking approach.

Beyond the problems in midfield, our back four were outpaced and outmuscled throughout, with the admittedly excellent Romelu Lukaku reaping the rewards. Maya Yoshida was regularly caught out of position and Matt Targett’s inexperience showed against a quick Everton front line.

Tonight’s Europa League game was better but not wholly convincing. Poor midfield positioning was again to blame for FC Midtjylland’s goal on the stroke of half time but fans can be encouraged by the team’s response going into Sunday’s game at Vicarage Road.

Securing another defender is surely a priority for Ronald Koeman before the end of this transfer window, along with warding off bizarre last minute bids from another Dutch manager.

How the Saints are shaping up

Credit: SFC

Compared to the chaos of last summer, this off-season has felt positively uneventful for Southampton fans but with the departures of Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, Ronald Koeman and the backroom staff have still had their work cut out.

Fortunately, the Dutchman, with the help of Les Reed, has moved quickly to replace these key individuals. Cédric Soares, a promising young Portugese international, was signed before Clyne even confirmed his move away from St Mary’s and Schneiderlin’s exit was followed by the arrival of Jordy Clasie in a matter of days.

As a Southampton fan, it is incredibly reassuring to know that the club is fully prepared and can act quickly in times of relative uncertainty. This has been evident in the noticeable lack of panic and hysteria on the south coast this summer.

The most significant drama surrounded Toby Alderweireld, the Atletico Madrid centre back on loan at Southampton last season. After such a successful campaign in the Premier League, it was widely believed that the Spanish club would forgo the ‘option to buy’ clause of the contract and offer the Belgian to the highest bidder. Despite some legal confusion, this turned out to be the case and Alderweireld was snapped up by Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham Hotspur.

Koeman has responded by acquiring Steven Caulker on loan from QPR, a move met with cautious optimism by Saints fans. His recent record of consecutive relegations has raised question marks over his ability but, in a settled and solid defence, I believe that he has great potential and this could prove to be yet another shrewd signing.

However, an additional central defender would certainly settle any nerves I have ahead of this season. At 31, José Fonte might struggle to maintain his high level of performance and I would not trust any current replacements to lead our back line in his absence. Virgil van Dijk’s name continues to appear in the gossip columns and with the Dutch connection it seems a logical move, although Southampton would have to stave off a number of reportedly interested Premier League clubs.

In terms of preparation for Sunday’s match on Tyneside, pre-season has largely been a success. Being abroad, I have unfortunately missed most of the friendly matches but saw the team in action across two legs against Vitesse Arnhem. One would forgive the players for feeling the pressure in our first European encounter for over a decade but the job was executed without a hitch.

Graziano Pellè looked particularly sharp as he bagged a goal in both legs and Sadio Mané appears to have picked up where he left off last season. Throw the returning Jay Rodriguez into the mix and Koeman has a formidable forward line to choose from. If he could just nab another centre half before the window closes, Southampton should be all set for another successful year.

Player of the Season: José Fonte

Picking out an outstanding player at Southampton is more difficult this season than previously. After such a fantastic campaign, the team have rightly been praised throughout and every player has shone at one point or another.

Nobody would agree with my choice more than Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool. When they signed Dejan Lovren last summer, the Reds were convinced that they were acquiring the secret to Southampton’s defensive success but the Croat has been a flop. His impressive form has crumbled and the reason, in my opinion, is the lack of a partner who picks up his slack.

José Fonte is a steady and collected centre half who has improved even further under the stewardship of Ronald Koeman. As team captain, he has led a defence whose record has been so impressive all season and pundits do not give him the credit he deserves.

Watching any game, it is clear that the Portugese man dictates the back line and, on a more individual level, he has kept some of the best forward players quiet at St. Mary’s. Harry Kane, for example, was anonymous during Tottenham’s visit in April.

Of course, Fonte was well-recognised at last night’s player awards, picking up the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the season. It is pleasing to see that people closer to the club appreciate his value.

The skipper won’t begrudge his place under the radar, and he is the first to praise his team mates when they enjoy the plaudits, but he deserves an immense amount of credit. Long may Fonte’s form continue but, with Toby Alderweireld on his way out, Koeman will need to strengthen at the back, particularly if European football is on the horizon.

Of course, it would be ridiculous not to mention this weekend’s result at some point in this post. It was another sensational performance and Sadio Mané’s three minute hat trick was one of the most incredible things I’ve seen as a Saints fan.

After some disappointing results to sides fighting against relegation, I worried that complacency might have set in. But Koeman looked fired up on the sideline and this translated onto the pitch with every player chasing down the ball as though it was the first game of the season. Hopefully they will take the same fighting spirit to the Etihad next weekend.

Can Saints handle the Europa League curse?

With four fixtures remaining and Manchester United eight points ahead, Champions League football appears out of reach for Southampton, but the Europa League is still a distinct possibility. Depending on the outcome of the FA Cup final, seventh place could secure it. The question is whether it is something we want.

Living with Tottenham fans, I am constantly reminded of the disadvantages posed by playing in Europe on Thursday nights and, while I mock them for this, I can’t help but consider the implications for this Southampton squad.

We have a first-team that has proven it is capable of challenging the biggest teams but our squad is lacking in depth. While Graziano Pellè’s form has varied across the season, we do not have any goalscorers to replace him in the event of an injury or a congested fixture list.

This is not the only position where we are lacking. José Fonte has done a fantastic job this season and led the side’s defensive record but, at the age of 31, competing in Europe could take its toll. There are replacements in his position and others, but the quality is arguably not there.

Furthermore, the sharks are circling again ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne on the big clubs’ shopping lists. I have full faith in the scouting system and backroom staff but these players will be difficult to replace.

After top-half finishes in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons, the Europa League could potentially rock the boat for Southampton and part of me thinks that it might be better not to qualify.

However, breaking into the top-four is notoriously difficult and, despite Les Reed’s recent comments, I do not envisage us doing that in the near future. The next step for the club is European competition and we are financially stable enough to invest in the squad. So, if we do qualify, let’s give it a go.

Of course, there are no guarantees. The latest injury to Schneiderlin is a real blow to our chances of finishing sixth and we are up against three teams who are fighting for their lives. There are no easy games in this division and securing the points required to overhaul Tottenham or Liverpool will be no mean feat.

Ryan Bertrand for England

I am surely not alone in expressing my disappointment in Roy Hodgson’s decision to leave Ryan Bertrand out of the England squad this week. The ex-Chelsea man has been one of Southampton’s strongest performers and, on form, is arguably the best left back in the Premier League.

Hodgson opted for Leighton Baines from a struggling Everton side, the consistently injured and under-performing Luke Shaw, and Keiron Gibbs who rarely gets a game at the Emirates. Even when Shaw dropped out (due to injury!), Bertrand didn’t make the cut.

It wasn’t until Shaw’s replacement, Danny Rose, withdrew that Bertrand was finally drafted in. That makes him Hodgson’s fifth choice left back. Any sensible English football fan will tell you how ridiculous this is.

Bertrand’s performance against Burnley at St. Mary’s epitomised his contribution this season. Marauding down the left side, he caused Sean Dyche’s team problems throughout the afternoon, culminating in the cross that Jason Shackell could only divert into his own net.

This attacking prowess has become the most valued quality in a modern day full back. The ability to overlap and supply the forward players. However, the bread and butter defensive duties often take a back seat. This is not the case with Bertrand – positionally he is flawless and his pace stands him in good stead against the very best in the Premier League.

Hodgson handed Bertrand a token three minute run around in Turin, nowhere near enough time for the Southampton man to demonstrate his quality. If his excellent form continues, he will surely be given another chance.

Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne started the game and was rather disappointing before being removed at half time. In my view, his form has dipped somewhat since the turn of the year and he is regularly outshone by the more consistent Bertrand. Whether Clyne has one eye on a move to Old Trafford remains to be seen.

On a more positive note, Graziano Pellè showed Southampton fans that he does remember where the goal is, even if it was to the national side’s detriment. Hopefully the big Italian will kick on and bag a few more in the final weeks of the Premier League season.

Shane Long proves his worth at the Bridge

Southampton produced a battling performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to record their second point against the league leaders this season and their determined spirit was personified by Shane Long. He hustled and harried from the front, adding an intensity to the team that has been missing in recent weeks.

The £12 million signing has been unfortunate not to feature more in the Southampton starting XI but, with the early season form of Graziano Pellè, the forward has most frequently been deployed as a substitute.

However, the Chelsea game perfectly demonstrated the Irishman’s value as part of the squad. As commentators and pundits are quick to point out, he works harder than any other forward in the Premier League. The phrase “lost cause” is not in the man’s vocabulary.

John Terry and Gary Cahill struggled to cope with Long’s pace throughout the first half and he was an ideal outlet for the midfield who were excellent from start to finish. For a smaller player, the ex-Hull man has an incredible aerial ability and strength, holding up the ball very well.

Long’s critics will point out the lack of Premier League goals to his name but surely Ronald Koeman did not sign him to score. The unsettling effect he has on back lines was obvious in the Chelsea game and his sheer determination consistently creates chances.

I am surprised that Koeman has not utilised Shane more in recent weeks. We have struggled in forward areas and while he may not bring an abundance of goals, he gives defences something to think about. Surely when creative players are struggling to break through, Long is the perfect replacement to shake things up.

I am not calling for Graziano Pellè to be dropped. He has proven, in the earlier stages of the season, to be a goal scorer, and his overall contribution to the side is hugely underrated by many of the Southampton faithful.

Rather, Shane Long should be considered as an additional option. I would like to see more of the two playing together. Too often, Pellè will win the ball in the air but have nobody near him to pick up the pieces. Long strikes me as the ideal player to do this, as well as making runs beyond the big Italian. This might not be Koeman’s plan A but, as recent home games have shown us, we need a plan B.

Sunday’s was a massive result and to earn two draws against Chelsea this season is testament to the incredible defensive discipline that the manager has instilled.

Is the top four out of reach?

Southampton’s midweek victory against an in-form Crystal Palace was vital to remaining within touching distance of the top four but, after dropping points in winnable fixtures recently, the south coast club’s dream of Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely.

For long periods of the game at St. Mary’s, the same old problems left Ronald Koeman’s men frustrated as they dominated possession but posed very little threat to the opposition’s goal. The team are not playing with the same fluidity as they were earlier this season and Graziano Pelle’s well-documented goal drought is showing no signs of ending.

Luck has not necessarily been on our side in recent weeks but Sadio Mane found some, taking advantage of a Julian Speroni error and scoring the first goal at St. Mary’s since New Year’s Day. It was a vital moment in Southampton’s chase for a top four finish but, on current form, this seems out of reach.

Southampton supporters have enjoyed an exceptional season. The football played by Koeman’s men has arguably improved since the exit of Mauricio Pochettino and pre-season predictions of relegation now seem ridiculous. But realistic fans will have known that Champions League football was always a long shot.

Frustratingly, the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham remain in contention without always playing such good football. Therein lies the difference between these big clubs and Southampton. When things are not going their way, these teams can call on top players to produce something special. How many times has Christian Eriksen come to Spurs’ rescue after 90 minutes of mediocrity?

For Saints to win matches, all the cogs need to be turning. When we don’t play well, we don’t win matches.

The club is in a comfortable financial position but is nowhere near able to shell out the same amounts on transfer fees and salaries as the top teams. This financial clout explains why it is so difficult to break the top four monopoly. We will never attract or pay for those special players that build a Champions League push.

Whatever happens, to be discussed in the same breath as Arsenal, United and Liverpool shows how far the club has come and finishing even one place above last season’s eighth would be an enormous achievement after the summer’s exodus.

Saints must find goals against Liverpool

Southampton supporters were left frustrated last week as a ten-man West Ham side left St. Mary’s with a scrappy point. The game highlighted an emerging issue – the goals have dried up.

In the last three games, the Saints have found the net just once and it took 93 minutes at Loftus Road for Sadio Mane to do so. While the defence remains solid, the lack of goalscoring form is a cause for concern ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Liverpool.

The main issue lies with the frontman, Graziano Pelle. After a blistering start to life in the Premier League, he looks low on confidence and desperately needs a goal. He certainly had his chances against the Hammers but, on the final whistle, the Italian cut a despondent figure.

Dusan Tadic’s poor form certainly hasn’t helped Pelle’s cause. The forward’s most reliable supply has been cut out in recent weeks and he is increasingly living off scraps. Mane and the energetic Eljero Elia offer a number of qualities to the team, but a decent cross or final ball into the centre forward is not often one of them. The Italy international will be praying that Tadic gets his act together and rekindles their productive early season partnership.

Of course, Morgan Schneiderlin’s absence is another factor. The lack of creativity last week was obvious and our midfield missed the Frenchman’s vision and ability to pick out a killer pass. His return cannot come quickly enough for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Liverpool’s form has drastically improved and Sunday’s game will be much more challenging than Saints fans might have predicted before the turn of the year. Their previously leaky defence has tightened up and we will need to be better going forward. However, they struggle to cope with balls into the box and Pelle’s strength in the air should be a serious threat.

With the return of three ex-Southampton players, it will be a highly-charged affair. Rickie Lambert will undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome. As for Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, I’m not so sure. Fingers crossed for an unhappy return.

Beware the smash and grab

Credit: Getty

With Arsenal, United, Liverpool and Spurs winning this weekend, the Swansea game took on added significance. If Southampton are to maintain their top four position, these are the fixtures that must yield three points. Unfortunately, the Saints were caught out by a classic smash and grab performance from the Welsh side.

The home side came flying out of the blocks and, aside from a Gomis chance, dominated the first half. It should have been a routine win but as the game drew on, it became clear that it was one of those days.

Our midfield lacked the creativity and flair that has broken down so many defences this season. At times, players didn’t seem to want the ball, let alone know what to do with it. Dusan Tadic in particular was disappointing and increasingly strikes me as a player who refuses to dig deep when times are tough.

Another factor in the defeat was the decision to substitute Harrison Reed on the hour mark. I hate to criticise Ronald Koeman because of the miraculous job he has done this season but, in my view, that was a reckless decision.

I understand that as the home team and with the position we are aiming to maintain in the Premier League, Koeman should be aiming for maximum points. However, without Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama, the area in front of the back four is compromised. Reed has been excellent and filled this hole. His tenacity kept the Newcastle midfield at bay two weeks ago and was doing the same this weekend.

Bringing the youngster off left the defence exposed to the only real threat in the Swansea midfield, Jonjo Shelvey. Before Reed was even removed, the ex-Liverpool man struck the post after being allowed to carry the ball through our midfield. This should have served as a warning. As it turned out, James Ward-Prowse, not known for tracking back, dropped back into the centre and Shelvey repeated the trick, to devastating effect.

I agree that Sadio Mané should have been introduced. But to replace our holding midfielder, particularly given the near miss previously, was too gung-ho. Tadic was making such little impact and seemed the obvious candidate to leave the field.

However, it was a tough call for Koeman. We were chasing the game and, other than the aforementioned attempt from Shelvey, our opponents did not look dangerous. Furthermore, we were missing key players and Schneiderlin’s presence especially might have been enough to unlock the Swansea rearguard.

This was a lesson for the Dutchman and his team. We are not used to sides parking the bus at St. Mary’s. In fact, the idea of a mid-table Swansea doing so would have been absurd this time last year. We are victims of our own success and must learn to cope with this new challenge. The return of key players will help and Harry Redknapp’s resignation will surely be a boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Loftus Road.