Three takeaways from Southampton versus Arsenal

3 of 4

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 10: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal challenges Dusan Tadic of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on May 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

Only one of Tadic and Ward-Prowse should play against big teams

As of late Claude Puel has preferred to only deploy one of Nathan Redmond or Sofiane Boufal, despite the fact that they are arguably the paciest players in Southampton’s side.

More often than not whichever has been started has been replaced with the other, meaning James Ward-Prowse and Dusan Tadic have been on the pitch at the same time.

Against smaller teams deploying the two – who both lack natural pace – can work due to their passing ability. However against bigger teams like Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea the two can struggle as one is always forced out wide against speedy full-backs.

It’s fine to have one of the two deployed in the number 10 role behind the striker, but against top teams both Redmond and Boufal – or a new winger signed over the summer – need to play at the same time to threaten more.