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Southampton: Rating Mauricio Pellegrino by his substitutions

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton in action 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)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton in action 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) /

Southampton vs. Watford

The Saints thoroughly disappointed following the international break. An 0-2 loss at home against a like-minded side was not what we expected. If anything it showed a major weakness in our attack, and Pellegrino did not do well enough to help the team.

The Substitutions

Dusan Tadic for James-Ward Prowse – half time. I can agree with Pellegrino that a change was needed, and a #10 brought on at the half was wise. However, Tadic has proven he is not the answer in that role. I will give the Serbian some credit as he played a very good first 20 minutes. However, it was more ineffective soccer after that. A half-time substitution should change the tactics, but it changed very little.

Shane Long for Manolo Gabbiadini – 69th minute. The trend continues, and I felt really bad for Gabbiadini as he came off in this one. He had terrible service all day, and was left alone up top. I get that Long can handle himself while isolated due to his pace, but why not pair the two together? This move infuriated me, and I hope Pellegrino gives the Italian the full 90 soon.

Charlie Austin for Sofiane Boufal – 71st minute. I think the majority of Saints fans were happy to see Boufal start, but he deserved to be subbed off. However, bringing Austin in gave me the feeling we had given up. This change made no impact and showed me Pellegrino is beginning to struggle with his personnel in creating an attack.

Rating:  C-

  • Even the commentator felt bad when Ward-Prowse was taken off at half time. He is a better player than Tadic right now, and just isn’t being used properly.
  • Gabbiadini MUST PLAY when a goal is needed!
  • Bringing in Austin in a 0-2 situation to pair with Long baffles me.  Why not pair Long and Gabbiadini from the start?