Do Southampton have a lack of attacking options?

Saints have only scored one goal from open play so far this season. So does this highlight the lack of squad depth up top?

Due to the departure of Sam Gallagher on loan to Birmingham, and Jay Rodriguez on a permanent to West Brom earlier this summer. Many would argue that Saints have been left thin on the ground for options up front.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have only been able to score one goal in open play so far this season. Including an embarrassing two-nil defeat to Championship-side Wolves in the EFL cup, all three of Saints remaining first team strikers featuring, but failing to get on the score-sheet.

What has been more concerning is how sharp they have looked. Not very. Charlie Austin looking much off the pace when featured. Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini not being able to lead the line individually. Harsh criticism you could argue, but the facts speak for themselves.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Sylvain Deslandes of Wolverhampton Wanderers tackles Charlie Austin of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on August 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

The south-coast club were linked with forward options earlier this summer. German striker Sandro Wagner being the main target for Saints, however, extending his contract at current club Hoffenheim to play in Europe instead. Used as a target man by trade, the six-foot-four man would’ve fitted well into Pellegrino’s current system.

It would’ve meant that a proper replacement for Graziano Pelle had finaly been secured. One player that Saints missed dearly last season, and so far this one. The Italian being extremely clinical, and able to bring others into the game with his hold up play.

Hence, signing a player of this type might help in bringing out the best in the players that play behind and wide of the striker(s). Such as Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse to name a few.

Southampton’s need for an forward has only been exacerbated after another goalless draw against Huddersfield yesterday. Gabbiadini’s performance was far from dreadful but he failed to make the same runs that he did against West Ham to get his goal.

Shane Long came off the bench but piled more pressure on opposition defenders than he challenged the goalkeeper. He could also play more as a winger or second striker than as an out-and-out number nine for Southampton this campaign.