Making the Grade: Match Day 3, Southampton vs. Sunderland

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jay Rodriguez of Southampton shoots during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary’s Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Charlie Austin got his first start of the season, and for the first time this year fans got a glimpse of how the tip of the diamond is supposed to work. Dusan Tadic started at the tip but drifted toward the forward role as he and Nathan Redmond traded off.

Redmond, to his credit, seemed much more natural at the number 10 spot, feeding service along to Austin, Tadic and later Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez with ease. He also wasn’t shy about getting forward in the attack himself, something you expect your 10 to do on a daily basis and that Tadic was never comfortable with.

Charlie Austin put in a good shift in his 74 minutes of play, switching back and forth with Redmond and creating space for some good whacks at Jordan Pickford’s net. Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long, brought in as substitutes, put in good performances as well, the latter creating good movement and the former saving the day with a powerful strike through Pickford’s gloves.

With at least one and possibly two new signings to come in the late hours, we can expect the front three to get switched up often as the season wears on. For the first time all year, though, Claude Puel seems to have found a combination that works.

Standout: Jay Rodriguez

It has to be him. Coming back from an injury that left his future with Southampton and indeed his career in doubt, Rodriguez silenced all doubters with a powerful boot to the bottom corner. Prior to this weekend, the 27 year old had been pipped to go on loan to rebuild his form. Now, if recent rumours are to be believed, he wants to stay put and fight for his place in the rotation. After Saturday’s performance, the club would be daft to say nay.

Snoozer: Dusan Tadic

He didn’t have a horrible game but it has to be said, and said, and said again until Claude Puel gets the memo. Dusan Tadic is not a number 10. He himself recognizes this, switching out with Nathan Redmond early in the match to put the former Norwich man in the driver’s seat. Bottom line: Dusan Tadic is a great player, but he isn’t being used correctly, and it shows.

Grade: 8/10