Three takeaways from yesterday’s draw between Southampton and Manchester United
By Chris Hughes
It’s not Gabbiadini’s fault
Yesterday the Italian striker made it six games without a goal for the Saints, having not scored since he was sidelined against Tottenham.
The former Napoli man has been subject of some criticism as a result but it really isn’t his fault – he receives little to no support.
When the Saints play against bigger teams, and even some smaller teams, they sit back and soak up pressure as a defensively disciplined unit. However that means that Gabbiadini sits isolated up front.
He attempted just seven passes all game, less than one every ten minutes, only highlighting his lack of offensive influence when isolated. His lack of goal-mouth influence meant Puel took him off on the hour mark, despite him being the more-threatening striker ahead of substitute Jay Rodriguez.
To blame Gabbiadini for the lack of goals yesterday would be a foolish statement.