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Stoke City 2-1 Southampton: Three match takeaways

By Nikos Lemanis

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Attacking changes needed

Once again much of the fan conversation during and after the match revolved around attacking elements of the side. As is becoming more common, frustration with the effectiveness of both Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic is a central focus.

On paper the stats tell a different story. Redmond has made more key passes and dribbles per game than anyone else in the squad, and has had more shots per game.

The problem lies in the quality of those shots and the lack of end product from the dribbles. Tadic too has failed to create enough to earn what appears at the moment to be a guaranteed start. Something needs to change.

When Josh Sims returns to full fitness, he and Sofiane Boufal need to be given a fair chance. Boufal was certainly lively and positive when he came on against Stoke, and the case must be there to start him after the international break.

Pellegrino’s continuing decisions not to start Manolo Gabbiadini is also confusing. Whilst Shane Long’s contribution to the team is clear, his end product isn’t good enough to earn him a start in a team that doesn’t produce goals from elsewhere.

As seen at Napoli, Gabbiadini is capable of starting in a wide position. With a few fixtures coming up that should be more straightforward, is it time for Pellegrino to ditch Redmond and Tadic to try something new?