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Southampton: Dusan Tadic hopes the Saints have turned a corner

By Chris Hughes

BELGRADE, SERBIA - OCTOBER 09: Dusan Tadic of Serbia looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and Georgia at stadium Rajko Mitic on October 9, 2017 in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - OCTOBER 09: Dusan Tadic of Serbia looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and Georgia at stadium Rajko Mitic on October 9, 2017 in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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After an impressive team performance and all three points secured against West Brom this past weekend, Southampton are looking strong.

And Serbian playmaker Dusan Tadic believes the side have turned a corner, after a stuttering start to the campaign.

Last month the Saints lost consecutive games for the first time this season, despite playing the majority of their opening nine at St. Mary’s Stadium.

But against both Newcastle and now WBA, the Saints have shown more grit and determination, scoring three goals from open play in the process. This could arguably be down to Mauricio Pellegrino’s change in tactics.

Although one forward always seems to drop deep or drift wide, the Saints have been playing with two strikers for the first time this campaign, with Manolo Gabbiadini partnering Shane Long up top.

"“I think we should be positive about our performances – I think what is different now is our aggression. From the first moment, we want to score goals. Yes, we tried to do that and to play a quick game.“We attack and get a corner and take it quick and the same with a throw-in. We tried to be much quicker and score goals. The tempo was there.” – Tadic"

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Dusan Tadic of Southampton appeals for penalty during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Dusan Tadic of Southampton appeals for penalty during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Tadic himself was involved heavily throughout the encounter with the Baggies, and nearly scored after Nathan Redmond inadvertently slipped the Serbian clean through. The 28-year-old’s original effort was saved before he went down theatrically off contact from Ben Foster.

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Despite this, the playmaker’s performance was generally better than what we’ve seen so far this season, which could again be down to the change in tactics – this week he played at the top of a narrow midfield diamond.

The former-Twente man believes that the win – which comes after three games without one – could provide a boost going into the game with Brighton.

"“I think it is very important and also important that we finally got that bit of luck. We need to climb the table because we believe in our qualities and we need to take as many points as possible.“It is a bit disappointing that we didn’t score the goal to open the game as that would have given us more space because the beginning of the game is always hard.”"

A win against the Seagulls would see Southampton see out the month with seven points from a possible nine – their best return so far this season.

However, Chris Hughton’s side will be going into the match against Tadic and co. with plenty of confidence themselves, after handing West Ham a 3-0 drubbing at the London Stadium this past Friday.

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