Do Southampton currently lack an identity?

Following the 2-0 home defeat to Watford, it was evident that there was a lack of real direction in tactics from Southampton.

With the appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino earlier this summer, it was expected that Saints would make a change in philosophy, returning to a high pressing game. This was last seen a few seasons back under another Argentine manager in Mauricio Pochettino.

However, after four games into the season, and a poor start to what was considered an easy opening schedule. It has been hard to see a real direction of playing style in Saints. In fact, they have lacked real urgency and looked second best at times.

The performance against Watford has left many worried about the rest of this season. The Hornets making Saints look extremely amateur.

Pellegrino’s men looked unorganized and were second best to every 50/50 ball. In the middle of the park, Oriol Romeu and Steven Davis were physically played off the pitch. Whilst more advanced players such as Manolo Gabbiadini, James Ward-Prowse and Sofiane Boufal lacked movement – it is quite clear that Pellegrino has not got his ideas across yet.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Daryl Janmaat of Watford celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Pellegrino will need to make his mark sooner now though. It would seem that fans are already losing patience with him. However there are reasons to give time for the Argentine.

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The Saints hierarchy left it quite late in the window to do their two main bits of business, signing Mario Lemina and Wesley Hoedt after pre-season – both of which made their Southampton debuts after the opening game of the season. This allows Pellegrino less time to bed them into the squad.

The former Alaves man was also keen to keep hold of the highly sought after Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has not featured much after the turn of the year due to injury. However, on return should sure up the back line and provide more leadership on the pitch.

Therefore, given the time, it’s assured that Pellegrino should get his style across. Despite that many will argue that he should’ve hit the ground running. To change manager now, would only undermine the work done, and therefore be risky in conceding more embarrassing results like this one against Watford.