Stoke City 2-1 Southampton: Three match takeaways

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STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Fraser Forster of Southampton makes a save a penalty taken by Saido Berahino of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Forster improving

I was concerned when I saw Fraser Forster fumble a tame cross into the net in a pre-season match at Brentford. Although only a friendly, it drew attention back to a lack of confidence, awareness and concentration that was evident on multiple occasions last season.

And his early season form suggested that we might be in for more of the same this year. But over the past three games the big stopper has started to show glimpses of the form that once made him an England regular.

His penalty save from Saido Berahino was excellent. Although the spot kick wasn’t heading for the bottom corner, it was hit low and hard. Forster did well to read the direction and get down in time to strongly palm it away.

Having recently lost his place in the England squad, Forster has extra motivation to prove his worthiness. Hopefully this drive will soon start to pay dividends for both him and his club.