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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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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

The verdict

The Saints manager is clearly still figuring out how to put together the best attacking team.  The fans are expecting goals, and his excuse is we are just not taking our chances. I still don’t believe we are creating enough.

In my opinion, his substitutions are barely above average.  Our best goal scorer, Manolo Gabbiadini is consistently taken off, and in key situations. Other than Shane Long, none have made enough of an impact to change the game. Charlie Austin is the only one to come on and score a goal in a league where late goals are very common.

I think we still need to give Pellegrino time to make a true assessment. However, the early results are concerning.  The lack of a #10 to support the forwards is stifling the attack. However, if the manager does not adjust the formation to combat this weakness I am going to begin to lose faith as I did in Claude Puel.