Making The Grade: Match Day 1, Southampton vs. Watford

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Nordin Amrabat of Watford battle for possession with Matt Targett of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Defence

Saints’ defence in the Watford outing showed why the watchword for this summer’s transfer window was “depth.” Without the use of Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand, the back four had to make due with Maya Yoshida and academy graduate Matt Targett. The result: an early-game goal by Watford’s Etienne Capoue which you have to figure the starters would’ve seen and snuffed out. Back-line mainstays Virgil Van Dijk and Cédric both showed why they start every game, closing down, clearing corners and winning possession whenever Watford threatened.

Matt Targett got a significant amount of play in the opener, a sign perhaps that Claude Puel feels comfortable entrusting him with more responsibility and perhaps Europa League ties down the road. Though he acquitted himself well, I felt he was a bit too anxious to get forward for a defender. At one point, he was up at the attacking third playing as a winger. It didn’t cost him this game, but it has to be said that better teams will make him pay for getting so far out of position. As with most young players, discipline and experience are the key missing pieces.

New signing Jeremy Pied, meanwhile, looked solid in relief of Cédric at the 79th minute but isn’t likely to factor as a starter in League games. Still, an impressive outing from depth, albeit on limited playing time, makes a convincing case for greater responsibility as the season wears on.

Standout: Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk did well to keep his part of the defensive third on lock, marking well and making a case for why he should be considered a leader of the Southampton defence in the absence of team captain Jose Fonte.

Snoozer: Maya Yoshida

Yoshida missed his man in a big way early on and allowed Watford to go 1-0 up. This isn’t the first major error he’s committed and almost certainly won’t be the last. While he remains on the team sheet and unlikely to be dealt off this summer, at 27 one has to question whether he’ll ever improve to Premier-league starting quality.

Grade: 5.5/10