Southampton: Rating Mauricio Pellegrino by his substitutions

Following the change in manager from Claude Puel to Mauricio Pellegrino, Saints fans were expecting a greater emphasis on the attack.

However, after five Premier League games Southampton have produced just two goals from the run of play. A beautiful effort from Manolo Gabbiadini against West Ham, and a tap in from Steven Davis against Crystal Palace.

For this reason it is easy for us to begin to criticize Pellegrino’s style and tactics. Some fans are beginning to turn on him entirely. Although few of us have access to training, or the video room, to hear what messages are being delivered.

What we can question are the decisions he makes in-game. His line-ups and substitutions show insight into his tactical mindset and perception of the players.

This is an in-depth look at the latter – specifically how Pellegrino has done thus far changing games through a stronger bench than we have had in years.